Financial aid?

S1 was deferred to regular decision, however his guidance counselor thinks his stats are good enough for admission. I just finished the FAFSA yesterday and our EFC is very high due to H receiving an early retirement package last year that also triggered quite a bit of deferred compensation that paid out upon retirement. (The cash shows up in our investments) Neither of us are working significant jobs right now - we are both trying to start up jobs w little success.

Should I even bother submitting the CSS or save the $16? I’ve heard some schools give a token $1k award to anyone who applies.

Villanova is his #2 choice right now. We assume if he gets in p, he would likely also get into his #1 school.

Even a “token” $1K sounds good to me. I don’t think it’s token either. V does not guarantee to meet full need, nor they do so for everyone, but in some cases, those without that much need do get full need met, so that it makes the stats look good (% of students with full need met; cheaper if you meet the needs of the low need kids instead of the high ones). So, yes, go on ahead and submit the CSS. IF he has need, the Direct loan part that can be subsidized might be and he also might get work study eligibility.

I agree with @cptofthehouse‌ you should go ahead and fill out the CSS profile. Villanova meets a little over 80% of demonstrated need (need being equal to cost of attenandance minus expected family contribution) through a combination of scholarships/grants, loans and work study. Additionally they re-evaluate need every year, so if you have an unusually high income this year, you likely will receive more aid later years. I know that’s difficult to factor into financial planning, but its something to consider. Given your situation, I would recommend calling the financial aid office to discuss specifics.

“but in some cases, those without that much need do get full need met, so that it makes the stats look good (% of students with full need met; cheaper if you meet the needs of the low need kids instead of the high ones)”

OK, I have never heard this one, though it makes perfect sense.