<p>Actually a 0 EFC gives you the maximum Pell Grant which is $5350.</p>
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<p>The above is misinformation. MOST schools do NOT meet full need. Having an EFC of $0 is only a big deal if you are accepted to a school that guarantees to meet full need. ALL of those schools (so far as I know) require the FAFSA AND some other financial aid form…either the Profile or a school finaid application form.</p>
<p>MOST colleges do not have the resources to meet full need. They provide SOME but not all of the money for students to attend. AND many package loans as part of their financial aid. It’s not all “free money” (grants, scholarships). </p>
<p>At this point, you need to see what the college financial aid packages are. If you are able to pay the difference between the aid offered and the cost, you can attend. If not, you will need to consider another option.</p>
<p>Until you have your financial aid awards, you have no way of knowing. </p>
<p>Attending a community college (and saving a lot of money) isn’t the worst thing in the world. Many community colleges have articulation agreements with four year schools whereby you are accepted automatically and your CC courses transfer. </p>
<p>But at this point…it’s all speculation. Wait and see how this all pans out. Hopefully it will all work out.</p>
<p>SS13 - Since you mentioned SUNYs, I assume you’re from NY? An EFC of 0 should give you enough to attend a 4 year SUNY with $5350 Pell, $750 1st yr ACG (if you qualify), $5000 TAP, $3500 Stafford subsidized loan and the rest (if any) in Stafford unsub and/or work study. Did you happen to apply as an EOP? </p>
<p>Also, have you considered any 2 year non-CC schools like Delhi, Paul Smith’s, Cobleskill or Canton? I would not go as a commuter student, even though it would save money, if you really want the college experience. </p>
<p>Some of the SUNY CC’s are actually very good btw, and have many residential students. The one near me has a good mix of kids from all over the state. Not to mention that they often have articulation agreements with 4 year schools (public and private) to help you transfer later on. I started at such a school, had the total college experience, met tons of people, and transferred to SU for my last two years. Since it was a 2-year, there wasn’t that huge competition/gap between freshmen and seniors. I immediately got involved at higher levels in student gov’t/programming and res life than I would have at a 4 year school. It was a great experience at a greatly reduced cost and I’ve never regretted it, especially when I had to sign those loan payment checks!</p>
<p>I know many bright students including solidly middle class ones who for financial reasons start at community colleges in their hometown and then transfer to an instate public. In fact, I know successful professionals in a variety of fields who have done that. </p>
<p>There are very few colleges in the country that meet 100% of one’s documented financial need. Virtually all of such colleges are among the most difficult to gain entrance to.</p>