The EFC Formula

An Expected Family Contribution is determined by using a formula established by the U.S. Congress. The EFC is used to determine the student's eligibility for financial aid programs.

You can estimate your EFC by visiting Financial Aid's Expected Family Contribution Calculator.

Expected Family Contribution

An Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is assessed using the income and asset information as well as household size and number in college reported on the FAFSA. In general, the higher the family income, the higher the EFC. If your student is classified as a dependent student, the EFC is based on the parents' and student's income and assets. If your student is classified as an independent student, the EFC is based only on the student and spouse (if married) financial information.

What determines if a student is "Dependent" or"Independent"?

To qualify as an independent student, you must meet at least one of the following:

born before January 1, 1984.
At the beginning of the 2007-2008 school year, you will be enrolled in a master’s or doctoral degree program (such as M.A., M.B.A., M.D., J.D., Ph.D., Ed.D., or graduate certificate, etc.).
you are married as of the date of the application (answer “Yes” if you are separated but not divorced).
you have children who receive more than half of their support from you.
you have dependents (other than children or spouse) who live with the student and the dependent receives more than half of their support from you, now and through June 30, 2008.
you are (or were until the age of 18) a ward/dependent of the court or both of your parents are deceased
you are currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, or are a National Guard or Reserves enlistee called into federal active duty for other than training purposes.
you are a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.