Financial Aid HELP please ??? Thanks.?

Question

I just applied for Financial Aid a few weeks ago and got my SAR through my email. They said I need proof that I'm a citizen. So is a copy of my citizenship good enough for this ?? And they said that my ECF is 0 and that I may be eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant and other federal student aid. What does this mean ??

How soon will I get my aid after I turn in my documents ??

Thanks in advance, I really appreciate it.

Answer 1

Yes, a copy may be sufficient. Make sure to call whether they need the original or a copy.

EFC is perfect. The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is how much money your family is expected to contribute to your college education for one year.

Typically, the lower your EFC, the more financial aid you will receive. Factors such as family size, number of family members in college, family savings, and current earnings (information you provide on the FAFSA) are used to calculate this figure.

How is the EFC is used?

You’re not the only one who receives your EFC information. The same information is also sent to the schools you listed on the FAFSA. The financial aid office will use your EFC to determine your financial need.

Need is defined as the difference between the cost of attending college and your EFC:

  Cost of Attendance (COA)

– Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

= Financial Need

**Many in my school have a EFC 0 and get about $4,050.00/year**

Since you have a EFC 0, you may also get a state grant. Remember: FAFSA is for a federal grant (aka Pell Grant). This is great for you! Congrats!

Your school will get the financial aid. Once your tuition is covered, anything left will be given to you.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

Your EFC is zero because there is a question of whether or not you are a citizen.

You will need to get them a copy of your citizenship papers, your green card, etc, for verification.

Until that is completed, your EFC will remain at a zero status but nothing is being processed.  

If all of your papers are in order and they can determine that you are a citizen, it should be no more than a week or two for them to release your aid.

Answer 3

You need to get ahold of them to ask them what you need to show to prove your citzenship.  I think the ECF means what they think you will be able to contribute based on your financial status.  The sooner you turn your paperwork in and get it all worked out, the sooner you get your payment.