Major differences in EFC and Aid - Need Access vs CSS Profile

[onequestion]

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I've gotten a few financial aid packages from schools this spring. I've noticed pretty sizable differences in Expected Family Contributions and the overall amount of need-based aid offered from schools using the Need Access vs the CSS Profile or the FAFSA alone. I'm wondering... has anyone else has experienced this? and what might account for those differences? Most schools were fairly generous given my family situation, but Need Access schools expected my family to contribute upwards of $15,000 more than the others. I can't quite make sense of it. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Has anyone had success appealing to a school in a situation like this?

 

[ErmaBoBurma]

Are you considered independent at some school and not at others? This was the biggest difference I saw between different financial aid packages. This resulted in about a 40k EFC difference. Might be worth looking into.

 

[onequestion]

Are you considered independent at some school and not at others? This was the biggest difference I saw between different financial aid packages. This resulted in about a 40k EFC difference. Might be worth looking into.

As far as I know, I'm not considered independent anywhere. All schools had some expected parental contribution. The variation, however, was substantial.

 

[onequestion]

*bump*

Anyone else notice this issue or have feedback?