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How Can I Find Out My EFC?

At the beginning of each year, college students are expected to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine how much financial aid you qualify to receive from grants and federal student loans. While you are not required to file a FAFSA, your school requires that you do if you want to obtain any federal aid or grants; private student loans do not require you to file a FAFSA. The information on your FAFSA is used to determine the amount of aid you qualify for and to calculate how much your estimated family contribution (EFC) is towards your college education for the year.

Instructions

- 1
  View the status of your completed FAFSA online by going to the FAFSA website, and click on the "Check Status of FAFSA" link. Enter your first and last name, your Social Security number and date of birth. Click "Next."
- 2
  Click "View Processed Information," enter your PIN on the following page and click "Next." View the notes regarding your completed FAFSA.
- 3
  Check the status of your EFC by reviewing the information you entered on your FAFSA. The notes regarding your results tell you what your EFC is for the school year. The information is provided in five digits. For example: if your EFC for the year is $5,343, your EFC will appear as 05343 on your FAFSA.

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