I have a question about the EFC number on FAFSA application?

[Capricassy6498]

This is my 5th year attending a university. I am 25. Before age 24 I listed my mother's income (divorced) as it was required. Her income for the year was always about the same as mine. So when you add our incomes together it came to approximately $ 20,000. My EFC was always zero. Once I turned 24 I was considered a independent student and only listed my income. My income was $10,580 for this year and pretty much the same last year. My EFC is 3150. Ok...so with that information I am really having a hard time understanding how this makes logical sense as to how i am able to contribute to my education. If there is only one income considered now, how does the financial aide agency see me as able to contribute when the income has cut in half? It just doesn't seem right? Ofcourse I know that this is just the way it is...but can someone tell me the logic or reasoning? Don't get me wrong I am happy to receive aid, and thankful.I got an associates in business and then decided to go into medical technology (graduate in May 2009). Besides financial aid and loans...I've supported myself the whole way. My mom was there for the little stuff which was great...but its getting rough because of the economy and I can't help to think how I don't get the full aid on $10,000 income a year. I'm trying hard to make this work...PLUS there is pell grant aid that is never used in the year!Do they say look you are this age we think you should be done by now...so we are expecting you to contribute more to you're education, therefore, you're EFC goes up? If that was the answer then fine...but nobody tells me why this is? They just say you are an independent student....ok?

[jakkob049311]

Talk to your counselor.