<p>I have enough money for over 2 years at NYU (in a 529), but not much more than that. Filed a FAFSA and my EFC is 53,050 -.-</p>
<p>Should I wait until the money in my 529 runs out, and then hope for aid? I don't know why my EFC is so high... we're a middle class family, nothing more. Would contacting FAFSA or providing more information to NYU (a letter?) be of any help?</p>
<p>I REALLY want to go to NYU. My dad wants me to go to UNC (he thinks it's a better choice academically and economically), but I think I'd be 10x happier at NYU. Should I give up my dream school because of financial reasons?</p>
<p>I'll direct message you if you think you can help if i go into more detail :)
Thanks!</p>
<p>If you’re middle class… then def find out why your EFC is so high.</p>
<p>First of all if you plan to go to NYU, I would take that money and spread it out over 4 years, so that I have at least that amount consistently for four years. Take out staffords, sub and unsub each year. NYU bases their aid on your freshman year, even though you have to do FAFSA every year. If your EFC is 53,000 you will prob not get any aid unless it is merit and even then NYU is stingy. They are more interested in meeting the neediest with aid.</p>
<p>You should run your numbers again through the calculators.</p>
<p>thanks. any other suggestions?</p>
<p>Just my 2 cents</p>
<p>I just did 2 FAFSAs, one for a son who is a Junior in College and one for a son who is just going to be a freshman.</p>
<p>The only difference in the 2 was that my younger son has money in a 529 account.</p>
<p>The difference in the 2 EFCs was the amount in th 529 account.</p>
<p>So I think that the 529 does make a difference, and since you need to refile the FAFSA every year they will take it into consideration.</p>
<p>But again, that’s just my thinking.</p>
<p>alright, if that’s how it is, I won’t worry too much until the money in the 529 gets lower.</p>
<p>If the 529 is in your name then it is figured differently than if it is your parents name and you are the beneficiary. You are more at a disadvantage if it is in your name rather than your parents.</p>