<p>I just got my FAFSA info back and it said I had an estimated family contribution of 02423. First, does this mean that all the expect me and my family to contribute is that much? And second, how much is that? Like, how big is that? I don't know how in need they've judged me to be--except that I know that my family can't scrape together enough for dinner sometimes.</p>
<p>Thanks for your input.</p>
<p>Your EFC is $2,423</p>
<p>You wont have to pay it all at once-
However be cautious. IF a school agrees to meet 100% of need ( and not all do), they will meet the costs of the school - minus $2,423.
BUT... say the school costs $10,000 this would mean that they would offer you $7,577 in a combination on grants, loans and work study.
They probably are basing most of EFC on what they expect the student to earn in a summer job, most schools expect students to contribute about that much from their summer earnings for tuition.
If a school doesn't meet financial need- they will offer you aid, but it may leave you with even a greater balance to meet. As well as summer work, merit aid, and programs like Americorps can help you find money for tuition.</p>