Financial Aid Basics

Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

The U.S. Department of Education uses a need analysis formula set by Congress, along with the information reported on your application to calculate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The EFC measures your family's financial strength to pay for college, and is used by schools to determine your eligibility for federal student aid during one school year.

Your EFC is not the amount that your family will have to pay for college nor is it the amount of federal student aid that you will receive. It is a number used by the school to calculate the amount that your family will be expected to pay for college and the amount of federal student aid you are eligible to receive. 

Financial Aid Office
Enrollment Services, Room 339
Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Reception Desk)
            Monday - Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Financial Aid Call Center)

1-888-4TOWSON (toll free)
Phone: 410-704-4236
Fax: 410-704-2584
E-mail: finaid@towson.edu