How Accurate Is the EFC Estimator?
The accuracy of your EFC estimate depends upon the accuracy of the information you enter. If you are using the EFC Estimator after you have completed your FAFSA and/or income tax forms and have them to refer to, your results will be more accurate. Students may not know many of the answers to the more detailed financial questions and will need input from parents to get a more accurate estimate. If a question asks about something you are not familiar with, in most cases that means it doesn’t apply to you, so leave it blank. If you don’t have current FAFSA or tax forms to refer to, give your best estimates. Your EFC result won’t be as accurate, but it should be in the ballpark. The purpose of the EFC Estimator is to give you a general sense of your eligibility for financial aid to help you understand how much college may cost you. You can recalculate your EFC after you complete your tax forms or FAFSA to get a more accurate estimate.
