The data you put on your FAFSA/Renewal FAFSA is put through a needs analysis formula called Federal Methodology. The output of this formula is called the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The EFC is used in a calculation to determine your need. The calculation is:

Cost of Education
<Minus> Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
= FINANCIAL NEED

The lower the EFC, the more financial need you have. The lowest EFC possible is 0, the highest is 99,999+. How much financial need demonstrated will determine the types of aid for which you qualify. Even if you have no financial need, you may still qualify for student loans not based on need (Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students).

The EFC is NOT the amount the family will be required to pay the school. It is a number used within the above calculation to determine financial aid eligibility. The amount owed to the school is determined by taking the cost of tuition & fees and housing (if applicable) and subtracting the financial aid awarded.

Click here to estimate EFC