What Is Expected Family Contribution (EFC)?
Your EFC is an estimate of the amount of money that the government expects your
family to contribute to your education expenses. The federal government calculates
your EFC using the information you provide on your
federal student aid application (FAFSA).
It is important to know that your EFC is a rationing tool to help determine aid
eligibility and award amounts, not the lump sum you will necessarily pay out of
pocket! A college's
published cost of attendance
minus your EFC is what colleges consider to be your "need." Your need can be subsidized
through student aid, such as
scholarships,
grants,
loans,
and
work-study.
Your EFC is calculated using prior-year income information. If your financial circumstances
have changed considerably, speak with a financial aid administrator at the colleges
that offer you aid to determine if your award can be adjusted.