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My S is looking at Cornell, CMU for engineering and based on the FAFSA EFC calculators we will not qualify for much aid. However, I am self-employed, pay my own health insurance (after taxes) and other expenses.

My question -- does the EFC based on the CSS profile differ much from the FAFSA EFC, and if so, is there any way to estimate what the EFC from CSS profile would be?

thanks for any info

By Cyclingdad (Cyclingdad) on Thursday, September 09, 2004 - 07:48 pm: Edit

There is a Profile estimator, I believe it's on the College Board website. Based on what you have said, the EFC from Profile may be a bit better for you. Some schools look at both. Good luck.

By Jamimom (Jamimom) on Friday, September 10, 2004 - 08:52 am: Edit

Profile is individualized by college so it is hard to say. A big difference is that FAFSA does not ask about home equity whereas many of the schools using Profile do. Some of the schools do exclude the home equity numbers depending on income level or give set amount they exclude, but many do take it into account. Also extended families (steps and halves) may be hit up under Profile by certain schools.

On the other hand some schools exclude private school or special tuition for siblings and other expenses that do not come up on the FAFSA. So it not only depends on the school using Profile but what your particular situation is.