Why didn't I receive more Federal Aid?

Paying for College
1

<p>After filling out the FAFSA, my EFC was given as 6125 and my mom is also unemployed currently. However, almost every school gave me the full amount of loans ($5500) and some work-study($2000). Although I am grateful for this, they do not come anywhere close to covering the full COA for any school. My question is why did I not receive any other types of aid such as a Pell Grant and what else could I do in my situation besides apply for outside scholarships?</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

2

<p>Your EFC is too high to qualify for a federal Pell Grant, which is the only entitlement grant offered by the federal government. The full Pell, which I think is $5625 for 13-14, is awarded to students with an index number (EFC) of “0”. As the index number rises, the amount of the Pell is reduced. </p>

<p>About the only schools where the loan and work study might come close to covering full tuition are community colleges and smaller state colleges/universities. Many students choose to live at home and commute to these schools as an option for making college affordable.</p>

3

<p>FAFSA is based on last year’s numbers which does not reflect your mom’s current unemployment. You might consider appealing to the financial aid offices with this new information.</p>

<p>Many colleges don’t meet full need (COA-EFC). Are there colleges that accepted that you can afford? If not, you might want to look into various options like living at home if possible, transfering from a community college.</p>

4

<p>Your EFC is too high for Pell Grants. If your mom has lost her job, then perhaps you can get your EFC adjusted. Is she the sole wage earner or does your dad work and live in the home?</p>

<p>The schools that you applied to don’t meet need. You were given the max Direct fed loans. </p>

<p>You’re not likely going to cover the rest with private scholarships, which are hard to get and only for freshman year (and it’s too late now to be getting much anyway.)</p>

<p>This school may not be affordable. What less expensive choices do you have?</p>

5

<p>

From a sticky at the top of the forum:

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6

<p>If you mother recently lost her job, and that is not reflected in the FAFSA application, then contact each financial aid office, and ask them to review your aid package taking your current situation into consideration. There may even be a link to the “special conditions” paperwork right in the financial aid section of the college/university website.</p>

<p>As others have written above, most colleges and universities do not meet a students full need. After you receive any adjusted aid packages, you and your family need to determine whether or not these colleges/universities are affordable. If none of the places on your list are affordable for you, you will need to come up with a different plan for the fall. Maybe there is a community college or inexpensive public U that you can commute to, or maybe taking a year off to make some money that you can use for college in the future while you give your mom a hand with her job hunt would be a better choice for your time.</p>

<p>Wishing you all the best!</p>