When you fill out your FAFSA form the college you list will use the information you provided.
How does my school figure out the non-need based aid?
Your school has a formula they use to calculate they non-need based aid.
Will this example help you, "If you have cost of attendance at $16000 and you have been awarded a total of $4000 in need-based aid and private scholarships, the you can get $12000 in non-need based aid."
No, it does not help me understand it at all.
What if my COA is $16000 and my EFC is $12000?
Then your financial need is $4000.
What does cost of attendance or COA actually mean?
Your COA is the amount you will pay to go to school.
Are you attending at least half-time?
Yes, I will be attending at least half-time.