Expected Family Contribution

The Expected Family Contribution, or EFC, is the amount of money a student and their family is expected to contribute towards their education.  The expected family contribution is based on the student's family size, dependency status, income level, assets, and monthly expenses.

When a student completes a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, the information reported is used to calculate an Expected Family Contribution. The financial aid officer at the school the student plans to attend will look at the student's demonstrated financial need, figure out whether or not any other aid will be received, and then prepare a financial package in the form of an Award Letter.