How award amounts are determined
Aid from most of our programs is awarded based on financial need. Federal aid funds are limited, so the total amount you receive might fall short of the amount you’re eligible for. To determine financial need, we subtract from the cost of attendance the following amounts: the expected family contribution, any Pell Grant amount you’re eligible for, and other financial aid you’ll receive. If anything is left over, you’re considered to have financial need for additional federal student aid.
What is "expected family contribution"?
We use an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) number when we determine your need. The EFC is a measure of your family’s financial strength and is calculated from the information reported on your FAFSA. Your EFC will appear on your Student Aid Report (SAR). The EFC is calculated according to a formula established by law. Your family’s income, assets, and benefits are all considered, as well as your family size and the number of family members who will attend a college.
How cost of attendance is determined
We use a standard budget based on full-time enrollment when determining financial need.
Standard full time budgets
- 2013-14 Academic Year: costs for a student living on their own
Costs for a student living on their own 1 Term 2 Terms 3 Terms 4 Terms Tuition and Fees $1,055 $2,114 $3,165 $4,220 Books and Supplies $550 $1,100 $1,650 $2,200 Room and Board $2,410 $4,820 $7,230 $9,640 Transportation $524 $1,048 $1,572 $2,096 Personal $552 $1,104 $1,656 $2,208 Total Expenses $5,091 $10,182 $15,273 $20,364 - 2013-14 Academic Year: costs for a student living with their parents
Costs for a student living with their parents 1 Term 2 Terms 3 Terms 4 Terms Tuition and Fees $1,055 $2,114 $3,165 $4,220 Books and Supplies $550 $1,100 $1,650 $2,200 Room and Board $1,069 $2,138 $3,207 $4,276 Transportation $524 $1,048 $1,572 $2,096 Personal $47 $942 $1,413 $1,884 Total Expenses $3,669 $7,338 $11,007 $14,676
How enrollment affects financial aid
In most cases, your original financial aid award will reflect full-time enrollment for the full academic year. Your actual financial aid eligibility will be based on your enrollment at the end of the first week of the term (or at the time of disbursement, if you accepted your award after the end of the first week). We will revise your award to reflect the terms you will be enrolled. Enrollment less than full time may cause financial aid funds to be reduced or canceled.
| Enrollment status | Credits per term |
|---|---|
| Full-time | 12 or more |
| 3/4 time | 9 to 11 |
| Half-time | 6 to 8 |
| 1/4 time | 1 to 5 |
Minimum enrollment for financial aid programs
You do not need to be enrolled full time to receive financial aid. The table below shows minimum enrollment for different financial aid programs.
| Financial aid program | 6 credits | less than 6 credits |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Direct Loan - Subsidized | x | |
| Federal Direct Loan - Unsubsidized | x | |
| Federal Direct Plus Loan | x | |
| Federal Pell Grant | x | |
| Federal Perkins Loan | x | |
| Federal SEOG | x | |
| Federal Work Study | x |