My EFC (Estimated Family Contribution) is 2971. How much money (if any) does that qualify me to get for college in financial aid? What are Pell Grants exactly? Does my EFC qualify me for Pell Grants? What else might my EFC qualify me for?
My EFC (Estimated Family Contribution) is 2971. How much money (if any) does that qualify me to get for college in financial aid? What are Pell Grants exactly? Does my EFC qualify me for Pell Grants? What else might my EFC qualify me for?
February 10th, 2010 at 12:19 am
Anyone can qualify for ‘financial aid” regardless of their EFC number.
A Pell grant is money the goverment gives to your school to help you pay for tuition, books, fees, dorm, living expenses… etc. It is FREE money that you do not have to pay back. The max Pell grant is 4731 a year. You have to meet strict guidelines (so don’t count your chickens before they hatch), but there is no repayment.
With an EFC this low, you will qualify for a Pell, just not the full amount… less than 1,000 a semester… but still, it’s better than a polk in the eye.
You will also qualify for Stafford loans, and if your parents are willing to take out PLUS (parent) loans for you you will have this option.
Your school will give you a detailed “Award Letter” giving you the exact amounts of your finanical aid.