<p>In my experience, the FAFSA estimator was almost the exact amount of my EFC. Just realize that not every school guarantees to fill in the rest (difference btw Cost of attendance and EFC) with ‘free’ money (scholarships, grants)</p>
<p>the amount of your parents savings account isn’t going to be treated much differently with FAFSA and CSS, CSS (Institutional method in that estimating calculator) will also take home equity (if you have any left) into consideration.</p>