Financial need is calculated by subtracting the student's expected family contribution from the cost of education.

Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is the amount a family can be expected to contribute to educational costs. The federal processing center arrives at this figure by evaluating the answers given by parents and students on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Cost of Education includes estimates for tuition, fees, books, supplies, room, board, transportation, and personal expenses.

Financial Need is the maximum amount of aid a student may receive from all sources when the student accepts any federal or state aid. Aid that is considered a part of the student's aid package includes: Federal loans, grants, and work-study; state loans, grants, and work study; private scholarships, and educational subsidy. Federal Direct PLUS Loans and Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loans can be considered a part of the Expected Family Contribution.