The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is a number schools use to evaluate your eligibility to receive federal, state and institutional financial aid.

Before you can get an EFC, you must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once your FAFSA has been processed, you will receive your official EFC number. The financial aid office uses the EFC to determine financial need, which is defined as the difference between the cost of attendance at MU and your EFC.

How the EFC is calculated

• Based on a formula established by the federal government
• Takes into account factors such as family income, assets, household size and the number of family members attending college

How the EFC is used

• Determines eligibility for federal financial aid, such as Pell Grants, federal loans and federal Work Study programs
• Used by institutions and the state to determine a student’s eligibility for other aid programs

The EFC is not:

• The amount of money your family will have to pay for college
• The amount of student aid you will receive