Financial Need

Financial aid is awarded on the basis of financial need, which is the difference between the total estimated cost of attendance (COA) and expected family contribution (EFC).

A financial aid budget is assigned to each student. This budget reflects tuition, fees, room, board, books, personal expenses and transportation. This budget reflects the student's COA.

The EFC is calculated by the U.S. Federal Processor using information submitted by the student and/or family on the FAFSA. This information is put through a series of congressionally mandated formulas. The EFC  is made up of both a student contribution (SC) and a parent contribution(PC). This EFC is for one academic year. This EFC is a guideline used in determining your eligibility for financial aid. The EFC does not reflect the actual amount that must be paid by the student and/or the student’s family.