Understanding Your EFC

UPDATE FOR 2024-2025:

With the release of the 2024-2025 FAFSA the EFC will be replaced by the Student Aid Index or SAI.  The information provided below accurately describes the general information about how the EFC as well as the SAI are calculated and what the two numbers mean.  

What does EFC/SAI mean?

EFC is your Expected Family Contribution or the number that is utilized by financial aid offices to determine what aid programs a student is eligible to receive each year.

This remains true for the Student Aid Index (SAI). 

How is my EFC/SAI calculated?

Your EFC/SAI is calculated by the Central Processing System (CPS) responsible for all FAFSA applications.  The CPS uses all the data submitted on the FAFSA to determine your EFC/SAI.  The formula is determined by federal legislation that takes into consideration family income, assets, the number of family members, etc.

What does Radford do with my EFC/SAI?

Your EFC/SAI helps Radford determine your eligibility for financial aid award programs.  There are federal, state and institutional regulations and policies that govern what award programs a student may be eligible for and many of these are goverened by EFC/SAI maximums and ranges.  When Radford receives your FAFSA with a valid EFC/SAI, we review your application and determine what award programs students are eligible for.