Need-based financial aid is awarded based on your and your family's financial circumstances.

Need is defined as the difference between your cost of attending the college and your Expected Family Contribution (EFC)-the measured ability of your family to pay. If there is a difference, your family may be eligible for aid.

Many financial aid programs are awarded to students who qualify based on need. Apply for financial aid. You'll never know how much you qualify for unless you do.

Calculating need

Need is generally defined in one of two ways, depending on which methodology the college uses.

If the college uses...

Federal methodology:

Cost of college - federal EFC = eligibility for federal aid (need)

Institutional methodology:

Cost of college - institutional EFC = eligibility for institutional aid (need)

What effect will your EFC have on the aid you receive?