<p>I appreciate reading the posts on this forum, and I've received some great information.</p>
<p>My daughter will be attending a UC (she has narrowed her choice down to two). Here is my dilemma with regard to financial aid:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>The FAFSA produced an EFC of $2,611 because a one-time IRA distribution due to my divorce (finalized in 2012) was included as income. I've been told by at least one of the UCs that I can write a letter of appeal and it should be accepted. I am positive the EFC will drop to $0 (my income was very, very low last year, and the IRA distribution was about $21,000). In the meantime, that $2,611 changed the rest of aid received, including the Pell Grant offering.</p></li>
<li><p>I can't figure out which Cal Grant she should go with. Here's what info I have:</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Cal Grant A: Awarded - On Hold<br>
Cal Grant B: Qualified - Not Awarded<br>
Cal Grant C: Not Awarded</p>
<p>NEW Cal Grant A Total Award Amount: $12,192</p>
<p>Attendance Status: Full Time Housing Status: CAMPUS
Remaining Eligibility (years): 0 Grade Point Average (GPA) : 4.00</p>
<p>Total Award Amount: $12,192
Tuition/Fees: $12,192
Access/Books & Supplies: $0</p>
<p>NEW Cal Grant B Total Award Amount: $1,473</p>
<p>Attendance Status: Full Time Housing Status: CAMPUS
Remaining Eligibility (years): 0 Grade Point Average (GPA) : 4.00</p>
<p>Total Award Amount: $1,473</p>
<p>Why would she be qualified or but not awarded the Cal Grant B, yet they still gave us the award numbers for it? And is she really better off using Cal Grant B her first year, and then switching to Cal Grant A for years 2-4 (my income is not likely to change dramatically, so I'm sure she'll still qualify without a problem)?</p>
<ol>
<li><p>The Pell Grant offered was $2.995 because of the EFC, so my guess is she may get a full Pell Grant when the EFC issue is appealed/changed? Anybody know if I should anticipate that?</p></li>
<li><p>I can't find the answer to this question ANYWHERE: If my daughter chooses to live off campus her Freshman year, does that change the amount of grant monies she receives? Someone told me that her funds would be far less if she chooses to live off campus, which negates the reason she'd like to live off campus (which is to have her education fully paid for her Freshman year, without having to incur student loans).</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Sorry for being so long-winded. And thank you in advance to anybody who can help me with my questions!</p>