it will yes, he yield that efc.s you to pay on your child's behalf. >> you have the cost of attendance. you have your efc. then you look at how much you need to fill the gap. you'll use scholarships and grants. loans. obviously the free money is better. it occurs to me that the more expensive education could actually be less expensive in the long run because you're getting more money. >> absolutely. and that's sort of the myth that's out there that an expensive school should be crossed off your list of consideration. that school could have deep pockets giving out free money. >> so it's a big lie. >> you need to drill into the sticker price. don't be hoodwinked by just the high sticker price. you could be doing yourself a disservice. gerri: let's talk about other ways that people think about which offer to take up. >> they should think about career services. when we think about best fit, this is student parents telling us. i've been doing a survey for 11 years. college hopes and worries. the two most important things

expected family contribution, an acronym will say efc.is important number to focus on, that is what you are expected to pay at that college. gerri: terms it of money, getting free money, how much can i expect to get? >> depends on the school honestly. there is difference in sticker price. then, it is difference how much the school actually wants you as an applicant. that is where other scholarships come in, based on academic merit. gerri: people are surprised how much people typically get. they think they will pay full freight themselves. >> that is not true. a third of students pay full fair. a third will pay some financial aid. there are $150 billion worth of aid. there is a lot of money. you have to get that money working being savvy on process. >> did a great job on this one of the biggest confusions people reading reading this documentation, what is night merit-based money, academic prowess, s.a.t., act and need-based on fafsa form. gerri: gapping. tell me about that. >> difference between efc expected family contribution and what th