<p>I submitted the application today, and I have no idea what this means.</p>
<p>The number went down by almost twice.</p>
<p>Your estimated Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is: 3894</p>
<p>Your estimated EFC is based on the information you provided on this FAFSA. It may change depending on your school's verification of information you provided. The EFC is not the amount of money that you or your family must provide. Rather, you should think of the EFC as an index that schools use to determine your eligibility for federal student aid. </p>
<p>EFC= expected family contribution, the amount your family is expected to pay, the lower the better in terms of aid, 3894 ought to mean a partial pell grant and other grant aid, but not all schools fund 100% of need, and part of the funding will be loans at most schools (except the very top ones)</p>
<p>No, the EFC is not the amout that the family is expected to pay. It's a tool that the financial aid administrator uses to determine your Financial Need.</p>
<p>COA (cost of attendance - may include books, transportation, housing, etc) -EFC (Expected Family Contribution) =Financial Need (award package may not cover entire need)</p>