Financial Need

Financial need is defined as cost of attendance minus expected family contribution, or, as expressed: NEED = COA – EFC. Most student financial assistance is based on financial need. If eligible, applicants may receive combination of gift aid and work-study. Students may also pursue private educational loans if desired, though the College cautions only do so if absolutely necessary. Community college costs are cost effective relative to other sectors of higher education. If students plan to continue higher education after graduation, it is best to defer consideration of student loans to minimize accumulated indebtedness.

• Expected Family Contribution (EFC): Calculated by the federal government and used to calculate how much financial aid, if any, is available based on information provided in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). It’s not the amount of money a family will have to pay for college, nor is it the amount of federal student aid that will be received. Expected family contribution is reported on the Student Aid Report (SAR).
• Cost of Attendance: Total amount (not including grants and scholarships) that it will cost to go to school during the 2022-23 school year, which includes tuition and fees; housing and meals; and allowances for indirect expenses like books, supplies, transportation, loan fees, and dependent care. For students attending less than half-time, the Total Cost of Attendance includes tuition and fees; an allowance for books, supplies, and transportation; and dependent care expenses.