1. What is FAFSA Student Aid?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines a student's eligibility for financial aid. The basic formula calculates aid as the difference between the Cost of Attendance (COA) at a school and the Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the FAFSA aid formula:

Where:

• \( COA \) — Total cost of attendance (tuition, fees, room, board, etc.)
• \( EFC \) — Expected family contribution (calculated from FAFSA data)

Explanation: This represents the maximum amount of need-based aid a student may qualify for. Actual aid packages may include grants, loans, and work-study.

3. Importance of Student Aid Calculation

Details: Understanding potential aid helps families plan for college costs and compare financial aid offers from different institutions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter COA (available from college websites) and your EFC (from FAFSA submission). Both values should be in dollars.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is this the exact aid I'll receive?
A: This calculates maximum need-based aid. Actual awards depend on school policies and available funds.

Q2: What if my aid is negative?
A: The calculator shows $0 when EFC exceeds COA, indicating no need-based aid eligibility.

Q3: Does this include merit scholarships?
A: No, merit aid is separate from need-based calculations.

Q4: How often should I recalculate?
A: Recalculate whenever your EFC changes or you're considering different schools with varying COAs.

Q5: What if my EFC seems too high?
A: Contact the financial aid office - special circumstances may allow for professional judgment adjustments.