What is an "estimated family contribution"?

Answer by  Leslie90 (66)

Estimated family contribution (EFC) is the amount that your family is expected to contribute towards your college education. The amount is usually a percentage of your household income. The EFC is also a part of the equation that determines whether or not you're eligible for grants, subsidized loans, or unsubsidized loans.

Answer by  Canoli321 (61)

Estimated Family Contribution is the amount of money that the student and/or their parents are expected to put toward the cost of the college education. The EFC is estimated based on income, assets, age, size of household, and number of people in the family in college at the same time.