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What Is EFC For A Pell Grant?

Written by: Jody Adams
Last updated: January 31, 2024

The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is the amount of money a family is expected to contribute to a student’s college expenses. This number is calculated based on the student’s family income, assets, and other factors. The EFC determines a student’s eligibility for financial aid, including the Pell Grant.

How Does The EFC Affect Financial Aid Eligibility?

The EFC determines a student’s eligibility for a Pell Grant and other types of federal financial aid. The EFC calculates the student’s expected family contribution to college costs. If the EFC is lower than the cost of attendance at the college or university, the student may be eligible for a Pell Grant.

Types Of Financial Aid Eligible For A Pell Grant

The Pell Grant is available to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need. In addition, the Pell Grant can be used to cover the cost of professional degree programs. The amount of aid available depends on the student’s EFC, the college or university attendance cost, and the student’s enrollment status.

Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate students may be eligible for a Pell Grant if they demonstrate financial need and meet other eligibility requirements. To be eligible for a Pell Grant, an undergraduate student must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, enrolled in an eligible college or university, and demonstrate financial need.

Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for a Pell Grant. The FAFSA will determine a student's eligibility for the Pell Grant and other federal aid programs.

Professional Degree Students

Professional degree programs may be eligible for a Pell Grant if the student demonstrates financial need and meets other eligibility requirements. 

Pell Grants are typically awarded to undergraduate students who are enrolled in a degree or certificate program. However, professional programs may be eligible for a Pell Grant if the student meets certain requirements. 

Part-Time Or Full-Time Student Status

Students who are enrolled in a college or university on at least a half-time basis may be eligible for a Pell Grant. In order to receive a Pell Grant, a student must be considered “low-income” according to certain criteria set by the U.S. Department of Education. 

These criteria include family size, income, and other factors. The amount of the Pell Grant can vary depending on the student’s financial need, the cost of attendance, and the student’s enrollment status. The maximum amount of a Pell Grant is currently $6,345 per academic year.

Dependent And Independent Student Status

The EFC for a Pell Grant is calculated differently for dependent and independent students. Dependent students are expected to contribute less toward college costs than independent students.

Low-Income Students

Students with low family incomes may be eligible for additional Pell Grant funds. In order to receive additional Pell Grant funds, students must meet certain income requirements. To qualify for additional Pell Grant funds, students must demonstrate a family contribution of no more than $5,000 annually. 

Calculating Expected Family Contribution (EFC) For A Pell Grant

The EFC is calculated using the student’s family income, assets, and other factors. The EFC determines a student’s eligibility for a Pell Grant. The EFC determines the expected family contribution, which is the amount the student and their family are expected to pay for college. 

The amount of money a family is expected to contribute is based on their income, assets, and other factors. The lower the EFC, the more financial aid a student is eligible to receive. 

Cost Of Attendance At College Or University

The cost of attendance is the total cost of attending a college or university. This includes tuition, fees, room and board, books, and other expenses. 

The cost of attendance can vary greatly from school to school. Different colleges and universities may offer different types of financial aid, scholarships, grants, and loans to help students cover their cost of attendance. 

Family Contribution To College Costs

The family contribution is the amount of money the student’s family is expected to contribute to the student’s college expenses. This amount is determined based on the student’s EFC.

Untaxed Income In Households With Dependent Students

Untaxed income may be considered when calculating the EFC for a Pell Grant. This includes income from sources such as Social Security, worker’s compensation, public assistance, and veterans' benefits.

Additional Funds Available to Help Pay College Costs

In addition to the Pell Grant, students may be eligible for other types of financial aid, such as scholarships, grants, and loans. Colleges and universities often offer scholarships and partner with other organizations to provide students with financial assistance. 

These scholarships are generally awarded based on a student's academic achievements, interests, or financial needs. Grants are similar to scholarships but are typically awarded based on financial need. 

If you are interested in more articles like this, here’s one about educational grants for teachers.

Jody Adams
Jody Adams is an accomplished editor-in-chief with a deep understanding of social care and government benefits issues. With a background in journalism and a master's degree in Public Policy, Jody has spent her career shaping the narrative around social policies and their impact on society. She has worked with renowned publications, effectively bridging the gap between complex policy analysis and public understanding. Jody's editorial expertise ensures that vital information on social care and government benefits reaches a broad audience, empowering individuals to make informed decisions.
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