This calculator is used to estimate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and financial need. An official, valid EFC can only be obtained by using the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) provided by the U.S. Department of Education.
For the 2008-2009 award year, a student is automatically determined to be an independent applicant for federal student aid if he or she meets one or more of the following criteria:
Was born before January 1, 1985
At the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year, will be enrolled in a master's or doctoral degree program (such as MA, MBA, MD, JD, PhD, EdD, or graduate certificate, etc.)
Is married as of the date of the application (answer Yes if the student is separated but not divorced)
Has children who receive more than half of their support from the student
Has dependents (other than children or spouse) who live with the student and who receive more than half of their support from the student, now and through June 30, 2009
Both parents are deceased OR student is (or was until the age of 18) a ward/dependent of the court
Currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, or is a National Guard or Reserves enlistee called into federal active duty for other than training purposes
A veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces
If you meet any of the above criteria you are considered independent and should only provide information about yourself, and spouse if married. Otherwise, you are considered dependent and you will need to complete all information about your parents as well as yourself. If your parents are divorced, list only income and assets about your custodial parent. If that parent has remarried you will also need to provide information for your stepparent. Do not include any parent in the number in college for dependent students. If a parent will be attending college contact your school's financial aid office for special consideration. |
