<p>For a needs-blind school: Let's say the school cost $40k and the EFC was $15k. In theory, a needs-blind school would then award $25k in scholarships and work-study. Well, if the student then receives, say, a $5k corporate scholarship- or if the parent's employer has a $5k college tuition benefit program- would that amount be subtracted from the college's award? Would the college only offer $20k, in this example?</p>
<p>In most cases the school award consists of loans, work study and student contribution from summer jobs. The outside scholarships would wipe them out first - you will not be required to do them. If the scholarships are large they will reduce schools grant. In most cases your parents will have to write a check for EFC.</p>
<p>Generally, yes, the outside scholarship first reduces the self-help portion of the award (work-study and loans). It then reduces the scholarship amounts. Only when the outside awards exceed the need-based aid does it begin to reduce the EFC.</p>
<p>wow i think I'm in a similar situation. This school that I'm 90% sure I'm going to offered me 15k in financial aid( don't know whether its mostly loans or grants or what) meaning that my family is expected to pay about 10k. </p>
<p>I was awarded national merit finalist ($2500) and I think I'm going to be getting about $2000 more in other scholarships. I was thinking that this would reduce my family's EFC but it sounds like it will not reduce that amount one bit. If that's true, then that kinda sucks. </p>
<p>I was actually going to apply for some more scholarships but I guess I won't anymore seeing as there isn't much of a point. If I'm not mistaken, unless I get more than 15k in outside scholarships, my family's EFC will remain the same?</p>
<p>That is pretty much true. Another way of looking is that the scholarships reduce the self help portion (loans, work study etc). You don't have to do it, and if uou did it the money is in your pocket and you can give it to your family.</p>
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If I'm not mistaken, unless I get more than 15k in outside scholarships, my family's EFC will remain the same?
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You are correct. But if your fin aid has a large portion of loans it is worth the scholarships to get rid of those surely? Which might also make it possible to get other non need based loans to help pay the EFC. I know I would rather my D has $10,000 a year in scholarships than the same in loans which would put her $40,000 in debt.</p>