To File or Not?

Paying for College
1

<p>My knowledge of fin-aid is pretty basic. I'm hoping someone will take pity on me and not balk at what is probably a pretty basic question. My student will be attending one of two in-state schools. Our EFC exceeds the COA (only slightly, but it is higher). At one school he has been accepted and there is the possibility of merit aid. The second school he will have to wait for a 4/1 decision. He looks good 'on paper' but so do a lot of kids. There is no chance of merit aid during the first year at the second school.</p>

<p>We plan on filing the FAFSA for the first school. We see absolutely no down side with acceptance in hand. The second school is 'need blind', and as I said we don't expect to receive any aid. Is there any benefit to filing? Any down side? Do we have to file the FAFSA to be considered for any loans? Would the simple act of filing (while not receiving aid) raise a flag at the 'need blind' school? Even 'need blind' schools come down to money when getting off a wait list in my opinion.</p>

<p>Any information offered would certainly be appreciated. For what it's worth, I understand that the forms are due in a few days, they are all but ready to go. I'm just looking for some more informed 'voices' in the possible cost/benefit of filing at the second school.</p>

<p>Many thanks.</p>

2

<p>Even if you think your EFC will exceed COA, thereby making it unlikely that you’ll receive any need-based FA in the form of grants, filing the FAFSA is critical if you want the option of using the unsub stafford or parent plus loans.</p>

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<p>Since both schools are public, it’s very, very likely that both are need-blind…so, no problem submitting FAFSA.</p>

<p>Few publics are “need aware”…frankly, I don’t know of any.</p>

4

<p>Dukedad,
This is just the type of information I was looking for. I sincerely appreciate your time! Any other views/thoughts are very welcomed and appreciated as well.
Thanks again!</p>

5

<p>m2ck,
I crossed posts with you. Thanks for your help. With in state/OOS ratios and decreased state funding being a topic in our state this year we wonder when it comes down to the wire how ‘need blind’ a few schools are. I’m sure I’m over thinking this aspect. He’ll either get in or not, they are both excellent schools in his major. </p>

<p>We do want the option to consider all financing options so it sounds like filing is the right choice.</p>

<p>I really appreciate you taking time to respond!!</p>