Determining Financial Need
Most financial aid awards are based on demonstrated financial need, which is the difference between the Cost of Attendance (COA) and the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). EFC is the amount that the government believes you and your family can be reasonably expected to contribute toward your college costs this year and is based on your FAFSA information (or California Dream Act Application for AB 540 students).
FATV Video: What does the term EFC stand for? (Watch the Video)
COST OF ATTENDANCE (COA)
FATV Video: What is Cost of Attendance?
In order to treat all students equally, standardized budgets (COA) are established and applied to all applicants. This means all students with similar circumstances will receive the same allowance for tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, personal expenses, and transportation.
Other expenses may include, but are not limited to: dependent care, vocational/technical, and disability related expenses. Exceptions may be made to the budget in cases where need can be shown and documented.
Cost of Attendance (COA) – Expected Family Contribution (EFC) = Financial Need.