Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

Expected Family Contribution is determined from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is derived from the federal formula developed by the U.S. Congress, known as the Federal Methodology. The EFC represents the parent and student contribution to educational expenses.

(a) the parent contribution (for dependent students) - an amount, based on their income and assets, that the parents are expected to contribute toward the cost of attendance for the academic year; and

(b) the student contribution (for dependent and independent students) - an amount, based on student income and assets, that students are expected to contribute toward the cost of education.

Ultimately, it is the family s responsibility to pay for higher education. Parents of dependent students are required to submit income/asset information. (See the section on "Determining Independent Status"). Because the student is the primary beneficiary of the college education, students are also expected to contribute toward meeting their educational costs.

Determining Independent Status

Student Financial Services is required to adhere to the standard criteria defined by the United States Department of Education when determining independent student status. According to this definition, students will be considered an independent if the student can indicate yes to at least one of the following questions:

• Were you born before January 1, 1982?
• During the school year 2005-2006, will you be working on a master's or doctorate program (such as an MA, MBA, MD, JD, Ph.D, or EdD, etc.) ?
• As of today, are you married? (Answer "Yes" if you are separated, but not divorced.)
• Do you have children who receive more than half of their support from you?
• Do you have dependents (other than your children or spouse) who live with you and who receive more than half of their support from you, now and through June 30, 2006?
• Are you an orphan, or are you or were you (until age 18) a ward/dependent of the court?
• Are you a veteran of the US Armed Forces?

Students who qualify as independent are not required to provide parent information on the 2005-2006 FAFSA. Student Financial Services does reserve the right, however, to request additional documentation to verify a student s independent status.

Related Links:

Expected Family Contribution Calculator