<p>Ok, so I just filled out my FAFSA for 2010 - 2011. Obviously, because it's so late, I won't get any need-based aid from the schools I'm attending. However, I am still eligible for federal aid. Anyway, onto the point. Last year when I filed, my EFC was super-high because the AGI was over $100K and only 1 college student. </p>
<p>This year when I'm filing, the AGI is $23K ($5K being unemployment) with 2 dependents and 3 exemptions, as well as being a dislocated worker (unemployed and receiving unemployment). I'm rather disappointed because I know I'd probably get enough aid from the school to get through an entire year but how much can I expect to get from just the federal side of it? I was thinking just a Pell Grant or something and some loans, but I'm not sure. I can't submit the thing for a few days because their PIN system screwed up and such.</p>
<p>I don’t know my EFC yet, since I can’t submit it probably until Monday anyhow, but I know it’ll probably be next-to-nothing. As a general question, does the gov’t offer anything besides Pell Grants for needy students? </p>
<p>Even last year my EFC was above all the tuition and fees, so of course I got nothing but loans, but no one gave me anything to help pay for school. </p>
<p>I’m in the process of transferring (with decisions this Friday) from UNC Charlotte to UNC Chapel Hill. I don’t know if either school has aid to give. I’d think so being from the state we’re in that pays more in taxes towards education than any other state, but who knows!</p>
<p>Dislocated worker & $23k AGI = 0 EFC. Full Pell grant. ACG if you qualify.</p>
<p>It is possible you may still get institutional grants, if the school still has funds left. You never know … just submit any other info the school requests ASAP.</p>
<p>I should’ve known to do that! I had to do something similar last year for the school I’m attending now. Business department had some leftover money so I was told to apply later (hey, plans fell through, but it should’ve served as a reminder). </p>
<p>Doesn’t UNC Chapel Hill guarantee to meet full need? Last I knew, they did, or is there a caveat such as applying by a certain date, freshman admit, etc.?</p>
<p>Quite possibly. The priority deadline was March 1st. It wasn’t possible for me to meet that deadline as my parent has yet to file their taxes (but the paperwork is ready, I guess, as I have it in hand). </p>
<p>I’m filling out this stupid CSS/PROFILE thing for UNC now. Hopefully afterwards I’ll be able to find something that can help.</p>
<p>Hm, have definitely delved deeper into that last link thanks to sk8ermom. Apparently, this new “deal” sort-of thing, the Carolina Covenant, says that UNC agrees to meet 100% of the student’s documented financial need. That is, the total CoA minus the EFC, in which case mine will definitely be zero. All you have to do is meet the requirements (200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines for the year before enrollment and some other, simple things) and apply on time. The only downside is they MIGHT not be able to grant me 100% aid this year because I didn’t meet the deadline. I guess that’s the only thing up in the air. </p>
<p>I wasn’t aware UNC provided so much money for needy students…huh. You learn something new everyday. Well, this is great news! :D</p>
<p>Ha! Thanks for that tip. I didn’t really do much for aid last year. In fact, even though I’m a transfer, this coming year feels more like a real “freshman experience” type of thing. Waiting on admissions decisions nervously, applying for FA, talking about housing and looking for roommates, how I missed out!</p>
<p>Anyway, I’ll be sure to learn from my mistakes.</p>