Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) for Financial Aid

Summary

Overview of the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) and how it relates to Pell Grant eligibility 

Overview of EFC

The Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) is a figure used by the federal government to determine how much financial aid grant money you're eligible to receive. Generally speaking, it's the amount the federal government has determined you or your family can contribute to your education, based on the information provided on the FAFSA application. The EFC is determined by the U. S. Department of Education, not A-B Tech’s Financial Aid Office.

Interpreting Your EFC

The lower your EFC, the higher your eligibility for aid. If you have an EFC of zero, you will usually qualify for the maximum amount of available Pell grant (assuming you haven't yet graduated with a four-year degree or higher, you're not currently in default on a student loan, and you haven't reached your Pell lifetime eligibility). 

Additional Questions/Concerns

If you feel your EFC is inaccurate, you should contact a FAFSA representative directly at (800) 433-3243. Keep in mind that A-B Tech cannot do anything to adjust your EFC, since this is a federal calculation based on the information provided on your FAFSA.

Key Words: EFC, FC, estimated family contribution, eligible, eligibility, Pell Grant