Expected Family Contribution

The amount of aid you receive is based on your FAFSA.

Expected Family Contribution

The information you provide on the FAFSA is put through a calculation established by the federal government.

  • This calculation provides an amount the government has determined that your family can afford to pay toward your college expenses called an Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
  • Next, the University’s Cost of Attendance is determined
  • Subtracting these two figures gives the Office of Financial Aid your financial aid need at UNC Charlotte

Expected Family Contribution – Cost of Attendance = Financial Aid Need

  • If the Cost of Attendance is more than your determined Expected Family Contribution, then you demonstrate financial need
  • Every effort is made to meet that need with a package that may include grants, work-study, and loans

Estimating Federal Aid

  • If you’re not ready to apply for federal student aid, but you’d like to estimate your aid, try FAFSA4caster
  • FAFSA4caster is an early eligibility estimator that can help you plan ahead when it comes to paying for college