Total Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

Using a need analysis formula set by Congress, the U.S. Department of Education uses the information you reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to calculate the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). This number appears on your Student Aid Report (SAR) and represents the amount you and your family are expected to contribute toward your Cost of Attendance (COA). Your EFC and COA are key factors to determine your financial aid eligibility.

Your need is calculated based on the following formula:

COA - EFC = Need