Determination of Financial Need
To determine financial need, the Financial Aid Office uses information students provide on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other financial aid application materials. Need is defined as the difference between the total cost of attendance (including tuition, books, living expenses, and transportation) and the expected family contribution (EFC). The US Department of Education determines the student's EFC using the information provided on the FAFSA.
Unless students indicate that they have additional expenses that pertain to living and studying, the Financial Aid Office will use standard estimates. The 2004-05 estimates (used for 2005-06) for one term for a full-time student living independently are:
Housing $5,185 Board $1,795 Books and supplies $600 Personal $1,304 Transportation $350
For any given term, the total award may not exceed the student's cost of attendance. Additionally, the total of any scholarships, Perkins Loans, and subsidized Stafford Loans received may not exceed determined financial need.