<p>So...this looks kind of scary...and I'm afraid of what the answer will be.</p>
<p>What is EFC? Is it how much my parents have to pay for a year of college? All four years?</p>
<p>Cause right now my EFC is higher than one year tuition at any college...
Will I not get aid?</p>
<p>It's one year expected family contribution. Remember that you file every year, so if you have saved money for college and you burn through that money for year 1 then year 2 your financial picture will be different. We have a nice sum of money saved already so we are inthe same boat. EFC shows $55k which is more than we'll be spending anywhere. :)</p>
<p>Also, schools don't necessarily use the RFC as is. They usually apply some formula or make adjustments to the federal calculation.</p>
<p>Your EFC is your expected family contribution, and it is calculated annually for the upcoming school year. If your EFC exceeds the cost of attendance at your schools, you have no demonstrated need and would receive no need based aid. BUT you could receive merit aid, if your school gives it and you are eligible.</p>
<p>Schools that "apply some formula or make adjustments" are usually schools which use the CSS Profile and/or their own financial aid application form. The federal calculation cannot be "altered" for federal aid dispersement. BUT the schools can use any formula they choose for distributing THEIR own money.That is different than what the FAFSA calculates.</p>