<p>Since you have a rather complicated financial situation, you may want to print out the FAFSA formula, and work through it by hand <a href=“http://www.ifap.ed.gov/efcformulaguide/attachments/101310EFCFormulaGuide1112.pdf[/url]”>http://www.ifap.ed.gov/efcformulaguide/attachments/101310EFCFormulaGuide1112.pdf</a> That way you will be able to see clearly which factors most influence your FAFSA EFC.</p>
<p>As pointed out above, most places will expect you to pay more than your EFC. It is very important that you are very clear about how much you can afford. That way you can work with your son to develop an appropriate list that includes one or more clear financial safeties that also are academically safe for him.</p>