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Is it better to have a higher or lower EFC?

Joe Ford

Is it better to have a higher or lower EFC?

The higher the EFC score, the more you are expected to pay. Families should keep in mind the EFC is usually the minimum a college expects a family to pay. Many times, families will pay much more. A high EFC score means your student will receive less need-based federal financial aid to attend college.

What is income limit for Pell Grant?

Your eligibility is decided by the FAFSA. Students whose total family income is $50,000 a year or less qualify, but most Pell grant money goes to students with a total family income below $20,000. The total amount of Pell money available to colleges is determined by government funding.

Should you report assets on fafsa?

As a general rule, you should only report assets that are cash-based (i.e. not your car) and liquid (meaning you can easily turn them into cash). Things like trust funds and 529 savings plans (if they’re owned by you or your parent) do need to be reported, as well as more obvious things like your bank balances.

Does household size affect fafsa?

If she is included in household size and the benefits are paid to your parents, the taxable portion of the benefits are included in your parents’ adjusted gross income. If Grandma is counted in household size on the FAFSA, it will increase your eligibility for need-based financial aid.

Does fafsa consider step parent income?

Only the income and assets of the surviving parent should be reported on the FAFSA. If the student’s parents are divorced and the custodial parent dies, the stepparent is no longer considered a parent on the FAFSA. The surviving biological/adoptive parent is responsible for completing the FAFSA.

Does fafsa check parents marital status?

If your parents are separated but living together, select “Married or Remarried,” not “Divorced or Separated.” Note: When two married persons live as a married couple but are separated by physical distance (or have separate households), they are considered married for FAFSA purposes.

Why does fafsa not let me change my household size?

You can only make changes to your household information if your FAFSA was selected for verification. If you’re wondering, “Why won’t FAFSA let me change my household size?”, it’s likely because your FAFSA wasn’t selected for verification.