<p>In the case of custodial & non-custodial parents, each files their own css profile and are given an EFC based on their income/assets. The one thing about the non-custodial profile is that the information is not shared with the other parent.</p>
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<p>I don’t think that each parent’s EFC was exactly $7500 unless they both have equal incomes and assets. I think it was probably more of a family agreement and mom said that we will split this in half in order to keep the peace especially if ex makes considerably more $$. </p>
<p>If the father had not submitted his information or refused to submit info the student would have been out in the cold as far as receiving any kind of aid.</p>
<p>What must also be taken into consideration is that tuition increases on average about 4 to 5% a year.</p>
<p>If mom is denied a parent loan, then the max that student could borrow is </p>
<p>9500 freshman year
10,500 sophomore year
12,500 junior year
12,500 senior year</p>
<p>At this rate she woudl be $45,000 in debt at graduation. </p>
<p>She must also keep in mind incidential charges above the cost of tuition/room & board like flying from coast to coast. If mom is stretching to make the $7500 student may have to make a lot of sacrifices like not coming home for thanksgiving because winter break is so soon afterwards and possibly not coming home for spring break in order to save the $$ to come home for the summer. There may be ECs that cost $$ (skiing) that student may not be able to participate in. If mom does not have adequate health insurance, the student would have to purchase the school’s plan and the list goes on.</p>