<p>As the COA increases from year to year, will a college increase need-based aid, if the family financial situation remains unchanged?</p>
<p>The need is determined by COA - FAFSA. So if your EFC is $10k and COA is $40k, need is $30k. If tuition goes up to $45k and your EFC stays at $10k, then need goes up to $35k</p>
<p>But whether your aid increases would depend on the school and it’s aid policies. A school with it’s own fund that promises to meet full need should continue to do so. A school that mainly awards federal aid may not increase aid as much as the COA. Federal aid available does not increase by the same as most school’s COAs increase.</p>
<p>*A school that mainly awards federal aid may not increase aid as much as the COA. Federal aid available does not increase by the same as most school’s COAs increase. *</p>
<p>A very good point!</p>
<p>Also, consider this… The COA’s on most schools’ websites reflect the costs for this current 2009-2010 school year. Next fall, when you’re a student, all costs will likely be higher.</p>
<p>The moms have good points but the dads math is still correct. Just because your need goes up though doesn’t mean the school will necessarily increase their contribution. It’s ok - I’m used to my wife being more right than me!</p>
<p>^^^</p>
<p>I think the confusion is this…</p>
<p>Yes, your determined “need” goes up if your EFC stays the same while COA increases. However, that doesn’t mean a school will increase your aid…many schools have gaps in their aid packages.</p>