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Anonymous

Could you help me figure out my financial aid?

I filled out my FAFSA before the cut off date, but am still waiting to recieve my reward letter. This is my 3rd year of college, but situations in my life have changed, and this is the first time I’m applying for financial aid. I’m a single mother of 1, and receive no child support. I will be living with my mother, but she is single and does not own a home, so it’s not technically “living with my parents”. My expected parent contribution is $0. How does financial aid work? Will they allot me money for living expenses and cost of transportation? Thank you in advance for the help.

Top 3 Answers
caba

Favorite Answer

Schools award financial aid based on the COA (Cost of Attendance) used in conjunction with the EFC (Expected Family Contribution). You said your parent contribution was $0 – do you mean your EFC is 0 or just that your mom won’t be able to help?

I’m going to assume that your EFC is 0. Given this you would be among the “neediest” students and would therefore be alloted the most funds for which you qualify/are eligible for (assuming that you completed your financial aid paperwork by the school’s deadline).

Given that, for federal funds you would be eligible for the Pell Grant, possibly an ACG/SMART grant (there are additional critera for these funds), College Work Study, a Perkins Loan, and a Stafford Loan.

In addition you could be eligible for state and/or institution grants and scholarships.

It would be best if you talk with a financial aid officer at your school to get more information. Some schools don’t send out their award letters until just before school begins, but they should still be able to give you information regarding your financial aid package if you ask.

Good luck!

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Boriqua7
Everything Caba said is correct. In fact you have a dependent that receives more then half of your support so you are considered independent. It does not matter where you live if with your parents your calculation on funds is based on your info. A zero EFC does qualify you for the max in Pell which is I think somewhere in the 4000 range per year. In addition you may receive the other aid Caba stated.
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dalteelee
The other answers are all correct. I just wanted to let you know to check out your state’s vocational rehabilitation program. One of your school’s financial aid officers should be able to tell you where the Vo-Rehab office is located. They helped me because I was in your same situation. The paid me mileage to and from school. That money came in very handy for gas!! They can also help you with daycare and all sorts of other things!
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