From Hopeful to Nothing: My Compounding Frustrations

What is your budget?

Your EFC is on the student aid report from the FAFSA: log in and look it up.

While you’re there, see if your dad filed as a displaced worker since he was furloughed. If that’s not listed and he meets the conditions in the instructions, update your FAFSA and resubmit.

Then go to all your schools and call the financial aid offices. Your FAFSA was based on 2015 income, but if your dad is out of work then that is not a true picture of your current situation. Explain your situation and ask if they would be able to add additional need based aid if you file an appeal as an out of state student. If they will, ask for the exact procedures and follow them to the letter.