<p>Income has only increased by $4000 this year, yet FAFSA EFC went from 2995 to 5135. May not seem much to some, but for our family, it's devastating, due to Pell Grant award dropping over $2000, probably losing SEOG grant, TAP big drop. To top it off, due to health concerns, I have had to cut my work hours in half, meaning less income. DD already takes max federal loans, and going into Jr year, some other grants will expire.
Is this normal for an EFC to jump that much with what I feel isn't a substantial increase in income?</p>
<p>I would write to the financial aid office and explain the change in circumstances.</p>
<p>That hurts. Go over your tax forrms, FAFSA form and see if there is any mistake there. Call up the financial aid office and ask if you can work with a counselor. Explain the situation to the counselor and maybe, hopefully, s/he has some ideas on how that EFC can be lowered. Good luck.</p>
<p>Double check the following: # in household, # in college, AGI, income from work, taxes paid, education tax credits. Did your D earn more money this year? That can affect your EFC. If so, was it work study? Did she enter the amount earned as work study on the FAFSA - if not, you will want to correct that, as the work study earnings will be pulled out of the EFC formula.</p>