What does the "Expected Financial Contribution" or "EFC" mean on my FAFSA?

Question

I can't seem to find any information about what it really means, other than that it is criteria used by the school to determine my financial aid. Is there any way to realistically get an idea of what I will receive based on what my tuition costs will be?

Also, my EFC is a higher number than last year, so I'm also not completely sure what that means.

Thanks for the help.

Answer 1

efc is basically what they gov has computed that your family (you, or you and ur parents) will or should contribute to your education.  The efc is subtracted from what they estimate your total tuition costs will be.  If your efc goes up you will get less money.  exp. ur efc is $1200, your total tuition is costs are est to be $2400.  Subtract the 2 and you get $1200.  this is how much you would get ($1200)

Answer 2

The EFC is a code the school uses to determine what kinds and how much finanical aid you will get.  The EFC number is NOT a dollars amount that you will have to pay to the school, nor is it the amount of finanical aid you will get.

Usually the higher the EFC is the less likey you are to get free money and will be offered loans instead.