Expected Family Contribution

I just submitted my FAFSA application and on the confirmation it gave me a number for something called the EFC (Expected Family Contribution).  I cannot recall if I got this last time I applied through FAFSA or not ( I prolly did) but last time I got more than enough for my tuition.  But upon seeing this number ($4517) Im a bit concerned as to whether or not I will get a loan to cover the full tuition?  Anyone have any experience or advice on this to give? 

My greatest fear at the moment is having gotten accepted to Sussex but not getting funding for the tuition's full amount 

Hi Tricky. The last time I submitted a FAFSA I was an independent student, so I can't remember what my previous EFC numbers were. I do remember that having a lower EFC was more critical to determing whether or not a student was eligible for things like Pell Grants (i.e. free money) as opposed to loans, although it is taken into consideration.

I don't have any clue about your situation, or how much your tuiton will be, but a good thing to remember is that the EFC calculator on the FAFSA application is the simplified version. If you have any veterans in your family, or a parent has recently switched jobs, or you just feel the amount is too high, you can try to manually calculate it using the long form found here (it's a pdf).

Although they don't advertise it, you can also appeal your award once it's been determined if you feel it's insufficient. If you're doing a study abroad program through a US university, you can just get the forms from your university's financial aid advisor. I had  to do that my first year of my M.A. and it saved me heaps of money.

thanks for the info.  It will be Sussex who appoints the loan amount wont it?  I send them the SAR and they send me back a certificate for how much in loan I will need? 

thanks for the info.  It will be Sussex who appoints the loan amount wont it?  I send them the SAR and they send me back a certificate for how much in loan I will need? 

That is correct.

As for your EFC, See Andrea's response below

I edited out my confused bits so as to not confuse anyone!

(Rebecca, I'm not stalking you I swear!)

The EFC affects need-based aid, so grants and subsidized Stafford loans.  Unsubsidized Stafford loans are unaffected by the EFC. In my case, I got the full amount of $8,500 subsidized and $10,000 unsubsidized for my graduate program, but if my EFC had been $9,000 then I would have only been able to borrow $10,000 in the unsubsidized Stafford loans.  For a first-year dependent undergrad, the limit is $3,500 subsidized and $3,500 max unsubsidized minus any subsidized loans, so in effect all freshmen can get $3,500 for their first year regardless of their EFC.

(Rebecca, I'm not stalking you I swear!)

Heehee, I don't think you're stalking! You're always very helpful in the student boards since you're practically a veteran at this now. I had a feeling I wasn't exactly right, so I edited my post so that I don't confuse anyone. Thanks!