<p>I just found out today that my EFC is 3,787.00. I have no idea if this is high or low or if I will be able to receive grants. My parents made a total gross income last year of 5,102.00 and I made 29,062.00, but I was laid off this year and am looking at full time school. I obviously don't have the income anymore, and won't be able to attend without some sort of assistance. Is there any way, based on my EFC, to know if I will be able to receive grants? Even though I've been on my own for 4 years, I'm still considered a depenent of my parents. I also have a younger sibling who still lives with my parents, for a total of 4 of us.</p>
<p>I worked for the financial aid office of a large public research university. As far as the Pell Grant, you are really close to the cut-off EFC...you might get some money but it will not be too much. Check with the university you are applying to--usually there will be state-run programs and school-run scholarships that will also go in your financial aid package. Also, actively look for national scholarships, which usually require financial need which, by the looks of things, will be a bit for you. One last thing--DO NOT forget to fill out FAFSA which comes out on-line on January 1st...this is your application for all financial aid for all schools!!!</p>
<p>ZZ3</p>
<p>Why is it that they don't look at people's current financial situations when taking these applications? And do they include any kind of cost of living expenses? My unemployment check (which will soon run out) doesn't even cover half of our bills. I've been looking for a job for months, but it seems that I was over-paid for my qualifications at my last job. I can't find a full time job that even pays equal to what I'm receiving in unemployment. How do people LIVE while trying to attend full time school with the cost of living so high??? My parents can't support themselves much less me or college costs....</p>
<p>Talk with a financial aid counselor at the school. At my university, your case would be filed as an "extenuating circumstance" at which time the EFC would be modified and the financial aid package changed accordingly.</p>
<p>ZZ3</p>
<p>Thanks for your help. Any good advice is nice to hear. I never knew this process (trying to support myself AND find funding for school) could be so tough! It seems like those of us who've been in the working world and already established an independent life are at quite a disadvantage when trying to return to school! You'd think common sense would help people realize that if a person is enrolling in full time school, that same person will more than likely not be able to meet or exceed past incomes. (-:</p>