FAFSA question...?

Question

My fiance and his family qualified for *a little* money through FAFSA last year. Last year, he was attending a private liberal arts college that cost about $35,000 and his parents make about $120,000 a year. This year, he's attending a *MUCH* less expensive public University. Do you think he will still qualify thru FAFSA, even though the University is much cheaper? Does it have anything to do with how much the school is in relation to your parents income? Or is it all just based soley on income? Thanks :)

Answer 1

The cost of the school does not hold much weight at all. To qualify for granst (free money) it is dependent on income soley. The more $ you make the less need based/free $/ pell, map or seog etc. you will qualify for. Your EFC tells alot as well. After filing the FAFSA you get a EFC, the lower the EFC the more $ you are eligible for. They figure if you make a lot of $ then you dont need their help paying for an education. Each school makes up an award package and send an award letter or enable you to check your award amounts online. Your fiance wont get the same amount for school since the school is cheaper but he will still get some funds.

Answer 2

As long as his parents make the same amount that they did the previous year or less (and he made the same amount or less as well - provided he has been working), then he should qualify for the same amount this year provided it is reasonable amount for the college he will be attending.  Example:  If he got a total of $30,000 between the grants and loans, he's not going to be able to get that much going to a public university - they only give what would cover a reasonable amount for tuition, fees, books, technology, transportation, room and board.