Determining Financial Aid

Paying for college can place a financial burden on some families. Those who lack the necessary resources to pay for higher educational expenses are encouraged to apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This information is used by the Department of Education to determine the student's and family's ability to pay. Once a student completes the FAFSA, the Department of Education will provide the student with their Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The EFC is not the amount the student or the student's family will have to pay to go to college or the amount of financial aid the student will receive. It is the number the Financial Aid Office uses to determine how much financial aid the student may receive.

The following formula is used to determine a student's financial need:

Cost of attendance - Expected Family Contribution = Financial need

The Financial Aid Office will assist students and families in trying to meet their financial need by offering a combination of grants, scholarships, and work study opportunities. If the student's EFC is higher than the cost of attendance and has no financial need, the student may still be eligible for non-need based scholarships and work study.