FAFSA EFC is 637 ?

Question

How can I calculate how much I will be expected to pay for college? Going to SIU (Illinois) and living off campus, not with parent.

Answer 1

If your EFC is that low, you will definitely qualify for subsidized stafford loans.  You also might get a Perkins loan or a Pell grant.  Your EFC=expected family contribution.  SIU will take this into account and tell you what financial aid you are eligible for.  They should send you a letter sometime telling you about it.  Basically, your EFC tells you what the government expects you to pay out of pocket for college for an entire year.  Your aid is calculated based on this.  

With a EFC that low, you might qualify for work study as well.    You'll just have to see what tuition is at SIU, but I suspect you might be able to get enough loans and grants not to have to pay anything up front for college.