EFC stands for 'Expected Family Contribution' and is shown on your Student Aid Report (SAR) which is generated once you complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). We ask undergraduates to add the EFC to their cost of attendance worksheet.
The EFC is used to determine 'need' and therefore it limits the amount that you can borrow as a direct subsidised loan; it is not required for postgraduate loan applications as this loan type is not available to postgraduates. You may still borrow up to the full cost of attendance, even if you have a high EFC, using the Unsubsidised and PLUS loans (see our loan types page for further information).
Please note that although the EFC stands for 'expected family contribution', essentially it is used to determine financial need, rather than reflecting whether or not your family will be contributing to the cost of your studies. The EFC cannot be amended by the university if your family are not contributing to your studies.