<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I tried searching but couldn't find the answer - when you have two kids in college and you're filling out a Fafsa for each how do the schools know the EFC? Each one has a different number based on their savings so I understand why the numbers are different. When the EFC are calculated are the 2 students considered making the EFC that they give you the amount you're expected to pay for just that student?</p>
<p>I'm still confused.....</p>
<p>
[quote]
when you have two kids in college and you're filling out a Fafsa for each how do the schools know the EFC?
[/quote]
Each student's EFC is their individual EFC on which financial aid is based. The number in college is already taken into account in the EFC formula that produces the EFC.</p>
<p>The EFC formula calculates part of the EFC based on the parents financial information and part on the student's information. If there is more then one student in the family the parent part of the EFC is divided equally between the students. So say the parent part of student A's calculates to 5000 and the student contribution is 1000. The 5000 will be divided equally by the number of students reported on FAFSA. So the parent contribution to the EFC would be 5000/2 = 2500 and the student part would be 1000 making the students EFC 3500. if student B has a student contribution of 1500 then his EFC would be 5000/2 = 2500 + 1500 = 4000. If student B decided not to go to college after all then the parent contribution for student A would revert back to the full parent amount - 5000, plus the student part, 1000, making his EFC 6000.</p>
<p>
[quote]
making the EFC that they give you the amount you're expected to pay for just that student?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>The EFC does not mean that is all you will pay for a student. It is only a number used to determine eligibility for federal aid and possible institutional or state aid. Many schools do not promise to meet full need so the actual amount you pay may be higher than the EFC, depending on the schools policies.</p>
<p>swimcatsmom, Are you sure the EFC is divided equally? I thought it was 60% for each when there are 2 and 40% for each when there are three. I would have to research where I first heard that.</p>
<p>Yes I am sure it is divided equally.</p>
<p>Thanks. </p>
<p>10chars</p>
<p>there is a link to the 2009-2010 EFC formula here
IFAP</a> - EFC Formula Guide</p>
<p>On page 9 line 27 the parent contribution is shown as being divided by the number in college
[quote]
26. Total parents contribution from AAI
(Calculate using Table A6.) If negative, enter zero.
27. Number in college in 2009-2010
(Exclude parents) (FAFSA/SAR #76) ÷
28. PARENTS CONTRIBUTION (standard
contribution for nine-month enrollment)***
If negative, enter zero. =
[/quote]
</p>
<p>I have heard that for CSS there may be different %s used rather than an equal division (don't know if it is actually true or not). But for FAFSA it is an equal division except for the student generated part.</p>
<p>With the CSS Profile it varies. Different schools do it differently. I know at my son's school they take into account the actual costs of the other child's college when reducing the parent contribution.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Are you sure the EFC is divided equally? I thought it was 60% for each when there are 2 and 40% for each when there are three.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>That is a standard Profile formula, but as rent notes, each college adjusts accordingly.</p>