The process used to evaluate your expected family contribution (EFC) is based on national norms and ordinary situations. The university will use the EFC from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to calculate your eligibility for aid. Some of the components used to determine an EFC include adjusted gross income, untaxed income and benefits, savings and investments, business net worth, number of family members in postsecondary education and an allowance for state and other taxes. Need is defined as cost of attendance minus the EFC.
It is important to remember that costs vary from one college to another. It is crucial to calculate the difference between the awards and the college costs to know what the actual cost to the family will be.
An example of our current year: Late applications are welcomed, but not all funding may be available.
First-Year Student Tuition 2020-21 |
$48,200 |
Student Fees |
$1,820 |
Technology Fee |
$740 |
Room and Board |
$15,440 |
Total Direct Costs: |
$66,200 |
From this, deduct all grants, scholarships and loans, for example |
($31,340) |
Then, the amount the family would pay would be: |
$34,860 |
We’re Here to Help
If the expected family contribution is more than your family is able to pay, don’t panic.
Because individual circumstances vary, some applications require a more personalized approach. Talk to the university’s Office of Financial Aid about your situation.
Recognize, however, that the primary responsibility for meeting college costs rests with your family.
Financial aid is intended to supplement, not replace, family contribution. To ease the burden, families can: