Full funding but have to fill out FAFSA?

[cokohlik]

Hi guys!

I was recently admitted to an MA program. They think they can offer me full funding and that I should expect an official decision "soon." Their website says: "Students who accept fellowship and/or grant awards will be required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)." It doesn't elaborate as to why students need to fill out the FAFSA, nor am I certain of what type of funding my program is offering me (although I do know I'll get a TAship in the second year.)

I just completed the FAFSA, and my EFC was higher than I thought it would be, perhaps because I'm on a significant salary right now. I obviously won't be making that amount of money once I get into graduate school. Do you think that this program will look at the EFC and the income I made this past year and think "Oh, she earned (dollar amount) this past year, she can afford us" and then rescind their full funding offer?

Sorry if this is a silly question. I don't understand the way these things work. Thanks in advance

[Sparky]

I'm pretty sure this is standard. I'm on a fellowship/TAship that is more or less the standard PhD funding package here, and I'm definitely required to fill it out yearly.

I wouldn't worry. They're not offering you the fellowship as "need-based" aid--it's because they want you. Having a salary right now changes that not at all!

[cokohlik]

Whew!! Thank you, Sparky! I wasn't sure if it would affect the funding or not. Glad to hear it's standard

[iwouldpreferanonymity]

I'm pretty sure this is standard. I'm on a fellowship/TAship that is more or less the standard PhD funding package here, and I'm definitely required to fill it out yearly.

I wouldn't worry. They're not offering you the fellowship as "need-based" aid--it's because they want you. Having a salary right now changes that not at all!

For what it counts, I would agree with Sparky here. Need-based aid comes from an entirely different pot. Also, the FAFSA will be read by people in the bursar's office, and from what I understand - and I once worked in admissions - the lines of communication between individual departments and the financial aid staff are virtually non-existent. While I understand your concern, you have nothing to worry about here.