All high school seniors should complete the FAFSA/CADAA. Filling it out is free and it can make a big difference!
The first step for students and parents is to apply for a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID. The number assigned is used in place of a social security number and represents an electronic signature which is needed to submit the FAFSA/CADAA.
When
students and parents submit the FAFSA/CADAA using a FSA ID, an Estimated Family
Contribution (EFC) number is generated instantly. The EFC is a measure of a
family’s financial strength and is calculated according to a formula
established by federal law. A family’s taxed and untaxed income, assets, and
benefits (such as unemployment or Social Security) are all considered in the
formula. Also considered are family size and the number of family members who
will attend college during the year. Colleges use the EFC to determine
students’ federal financial aid eligibility and total financial aid award packages.
The lower the EFC, the more financial aid a student should receive.