What You Need to Know

When your FAFSA is processed, a formula developed by Congress is applied to the information you provided. The outcome of this formula is called the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), and it is used to determine your financial need.

When calculating your EFC, factors such as parental income (for dependent students), student income, family assets, family size and number in college will be used. We then subtract your EFC from the University's cost of attendance (COA) to determine your financial need for the year.

Families who demonstrate financial need can receive a financial aid package consisting of gift aid (grants and scholarships) and self-help aid (loans and employment). Families at all income levels may be able to demonstrate financial need based upon their individual circumstances.

We understand certain circumstances may present your family with unique financial challenges. Therefore, we will consider various circumstances for appeal (loss of income, death of a wage earner, unusual medical expenses not covered by insurance, tuition expenses for elementary/secondary schools).

The Office of Financial Aid provides the opportunity to appeal the student's FAFSA dependency status in situations where providing parental information may be difficult for the student. In certain circumstances, if you do not live with your parents due to unusual circumstances (ex. abusive family environment, abandonment/estranged by parents, unable to locate parents) you may be eligible for a dependency override.