What does an EFC of 4950 really mean?

<p>How much aid can I expect? This is probably too much for my family.. It also said I didn't qualify for any loans on my SAR report. Please help me understand what this means. Thanks. x)</p>

<p>and EFC means that your expected family contribution is $4,950.</p>

<p>I don't understand why you would not qualify for loans as you would qualify for stafford loans (whether or not they are subsidized or unsubsidized is another story). Did you default on any loans? Do you have a drug conviction? These are the only things off the top of my head that I can think about that may make you ineligible for federal aid.</p>

<p>Call FAFSA and ask them what this statement means,</p>

<p>How much can you expect in terms of aid? It totally depends on where you are admitted and the financial aid policies at that school.</p>

<p>Do any of your schools require the CSS Profile? If yes, this EFC number could change.</p>

<p>I would recommend going to the college board website, looking up your schools, then clicking the tab-cost and financial aid.</p>

<p>there you will find :
the percentage of need your school meets (remember very few school meet 100% demonstrated need) Schools that do not meet 100% need are gapping and you must fill the gap the best way you can.</p>

<p>How the need is meet % grants vs. % self help(loans & workstudy) again, very few schools meet your need being really heavy on grant aid.</p>

<p>the average financial aid package</p>

<p>Merit money- what the school gives out merit money for (then go to the schools website to see if you meet the criteria for merit aid))</p>

<p>The average indebtness at graduation (rule of thumb, if you are thinking about attending graduate or professional school, you should keep your undergrad debt at a minimum).</p>

<p>How much aid you can expect also depends upon the colleges' financial aid policies. Most state universities lack the resources to meet 100% of students' financial need. Consequently, at state universities, including in-state (public institutions give most of their financial aid to residents of their state), you could get as little as 60% or less than what your EFC says you need.</p>

<p>Many private universities also don't meet 100% of financial need. The ones that do tend to be very competitive in terms of admissions.</p>

<p>Check the financial aid websites of the colleges that you're considering to determine their policies.</p>