How do you calculate your EFC for college?
EFC Parent Contribution
- Add up total annual parent income. Use both taxable and nontaxable income, including any amount put toward retirement that year.
- Subtract allowances for federal taxes, state taxes, and Social Security paid.
- Subtract an Income Protection Allowance (IPA).
- Subtract an Employment Expense Allowance.
What is the formula used to calculate EFC?
The student’s EFC is determined by adding the student and spouse’s contribution from available income to their contribution from assets and then dividing the sum by the number in college.
What is an EFC for college?
Expected Family Contribution
Your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is an index number used to determine your eligibility for federal student financial aid. This number results from the financial information you provide in your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form. It’s reported to you on your Student Aid Report (SAR).
Is EFC calculated per year?
Each year, a student’s EFC is recalculated, so experts say families should look ahead and consider how changes in their financial situation or in the number of children enrolled in college may have an impact on the EFC and therefore the financial aid an institution will offer.
Why is my EFC so high with low income?
If your family has accumulated wealth and investments, your EFC can be high, even if your family’s income is low. This includes checking and savings accounts, bonds and stocks, and even the student’s 529 College Savings Plan. Some kinds of financial assets do not count toward your EFC.
What does an EFC of $14 000 mean?
So, if a school’s COA is $42,000 and the student’s EFC is $28,000, the calculated financial need is $14,000. While your Expected Family Contribution will not impact non-need-based awards (like merit scholarships), the need-based aid you receive won’t exceed your EFC.
What does an EFC of 12000 mean?
For example, 12000 is $12,000. This means that the federal government (and colleges) expect your family to be able to reasonably contribute $12,000 per year towards your college expenses. That said, the EFC number is not the definitive amount your family must pay for school. Rather, the number is a starting point.