My EFC number is 16645, however, this takes into account my stepdad’s wages, which are double those of my mother’s. The relationship between my stepdad and I is kind of rocky, and he does not plan on contributing towards college for me, which leaves my mother alone. Even if I were to get a job, $16,000 would still be too much for my mom and I to afford. Is there any way I could explain my financial situation to colleges?
You can explain, but it is unlikely they’d make an exception. Your mother is married and your stepfather contributes to the household.
You’d be better off choosing a cheaper school.
There are a few things you need to consider. First, your EFC will be different at every school. Second, it’s a guideline as to how much you MAY be expected to contribute; sometimes it’s higher. Third, colleges don’t care if someone in your family WON’T pay; they only care that they COULD, so no, they won’t take into account your stepdad’s refusal to contribute.
That said, you might want to look at schools that award automatic merit for a certain GPA and ACT/SAT. There are several things that come into play. What year are you in school? What do you want to major in? Do you have schools in mind already? What are your stats?
If you’re a senior, you’re coming into this very late in the year. If you’re a junior, we might be able to help you find affordable schools. Don’t forget that if you don’t have the stats for auto-merit, there’s the option of two years of community college, which would cut the cost of a four-year degree a great deal.
Your FAFSA EFC will be identical at every single school to which you apply. @NerdMom88
BUT your the amount your family will be expected to actually PAY out of pocket will vary from school to school…
Remember also…it’s an expected FAMILY contribution…and your step dad is a member of your family.
@thumper1 Thanks for the correction! I misspoke, but meant what you said.