Your EFC: FAQs
You've Got Questions? We've Got Answers.
Here's everything you ever wanted to know about the Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
What is the EFC?
The EFC is a calculated assessment of how much your family will be expected to contribute to your child's college costs. There are currently two main formulas used to determine the EFC. The Federal Methodology is used by the federal government to calculate eligibility for federal aid. The Institutional Methodology is used by many colleges to calculate eligibility for institutional aid programs.
How is the EFC calculated?
The EFC is calculated by considering the family's financial strength—their income and assets. Other factors that are considered include the number of family members and the number of family members in college.
How is the EFC used to determine aid eligibility?
The EFC is subtracted from the cost of attendance at the college. The result is a calculation of the student's financial need or eligibility for financial aid. Aid eligibility at a particular college is a function of both the cost of attendance and the expected family contribution.
What is the Federal Methodology (FM)?
The Federal Methodology (FM) is a need analysis formula used by the federal government. Based on the information captured on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the FM is used to determine eligibility for federal and state financial aid, as well as for institutional aid at some colleges. Use our online EFC Calculator to estimate your expected family contribution using the FM formula.
What is the Institutional Methodology (IM)?
The Institutional Methodology (IM) is a need analysis formula developed and maintained by the College Board to assist colleges, universities, and private scholarship programs in determining eligibility for institutional and private financial aid funds. The IM relies on information collected on the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE® Application for its calculations. Use the EFC Calculator to estimate your expected family contribution using the IM formula.
What costs does the financial aid office take into account in determining my eligibility for aid?
The financial aid office will take into account the average cost-of-attendance, which includes tuition, student fees, room and board, as well as estimated expenses for books and supplies, personal expenses, and transportation to and from campus. You and your child can use our online College Search to find current tuition and fees for the colleges in which your child is interested.
What can I do if my EFC as determined by the college is unreasonably high? Can I make an appeal to the financial aid office?
If you or your child decides to appeal the college's determination of your EFC, contact the college financial aid office to find out about the appeal process. Most financial aid administrators will require that your child put the appeal request in writing and document the special circumstances or changes in income that have occurred since the time of the original application for aid.
Even if you or your child can demonstrate need for additional aid, there may be other families with greater financial need who must be served. You should not approach the appeal as a "let's make a deal" negotiation, since most colleges will listen only to a data-based appeal.
Why am I expected to pay different amounts at different schools?
For an answer to this question, see Why Your EFC Isn't Set in Stone. For a more detailed description of the financial aid process, financial aid programs, aid eligibility, and alternative financing options, go to the College Board online store and purchase a copy of the informative workbook for families, Meeting College Costs.
