Applied for FAFSA Spring 2010 got ridiculous efc $9,940?

Did you input your parents info? You shouldn't as an independant married student.

They aren't telling you that's what you need to spend . . .

Financial aid is determined by everything you would need to spend to go to school. Rent, tuition, food, books, transportation . . .

You are expected to cover 9940 of school life LIVING expenses. You won't get grants at that level. You may not even get subsidized loans, but you'll get some unsubsidized loans.

You and your wife are above the poverty line. You have not demonstrated financial need. If you're saying your family income has dropped to, say, 20k, talk to your school's financial aid adviser. The FAFSA goes by last tax return data, the adviser can adjust for current reality.

You should talk to them anyway to come up with a plan to pay for school if you "need" help.

Your EFC is the amount the government figures you should be able to contribute towards your education. It includes housing, food, transportation, supplies as well as tuition and fees. They're not thinking your tuition alone will be over $9,940. This figure is compared to your school's calculated cost of attendance for you (which also includes these other costs). You will definitely be able to get a Stafford Loan of at least $5,500.

When you complete your fafsa next year for the 10-11 school year, your figures should come out a little better since you're unemployed.

$41,000 for two people is a ton of money in the eyes of finaid.