The total cost to attend college includes tuition, fees, room, board (food), and allowances for books, supplies, and personal/travel expenses.
The difference between your family’s resources and the total cost of attending college, or the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), determines your financial need. This amount is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
These factors are considered for evaluating a family’s resources:
- parental income and assets
- student income and assets
- household size
- number of children in college