Understanding Financial Aid Award Letter

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign
1

Hi, I’m having trouble understanding what my finaid letter is offerring, if anything.

There is a Cost of Attendance section, but then a Need Calculations section, which states this (random numbers):

Cost of Attendance $50,000.00
Est Family Contribution $23,000.00
Initial Need $27,000.00
Outside Resources $.00
Need $27,000.00

No grants/scholarships.
The last line of the letter says:

Total Financial Aid Awards $50,000.00

I’m confused what Est Family Contribution and Initial Need are. Does this affect anything?

Thank you!

2

You have received no grants or scholarships. You (and your family) are expected to pay for everything. Estimated Family Contribution is the amount of money that UIUC (based on your FAFSA) thinks that your family will be able to help you paying for your education.