What is an “EFC?” How is it calculated?

Modified on Wed, Aug 17, 2022 at 11:10 AM

The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is a measure of your family’s financial strength. It is calculated according to a formula established by federal law. Your family’s taxed and untaxed income, assets, and benefits (such as unemployment or Social Security) are all considered in the formula. Also considered are your family size and the number of family members who will attend college during the year. 

 

The information you report on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to calculate your EFC. Schools use the EFC to determine your federal student aid eligibility and financial aid award. 

 

Your EFC is not the amount of money your family will have to pay for tuition and fees nor is it the amount of federal student aid you will receive. It is a number used by Lesley University to calculate the amount of federal student aid you are eligible to receive. For more information about the EFC, consult this Department of Education webpage.

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