Financial Changes

Your eligibility for financial aid depends on the information you submit on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If that information changes from year to year, your eligibility for financial aid can also change.

Personal Information
If you are an independent student (as determined by how you answer the questions on the FAFSA) only your income and asset information will be used to determine your eligibility for financial aid. Getting a great new job might give you a bigger paycheck, but it could also mean less financial aid. On the other hand, if you plan to reduce your work hours or if you lose a job, it could mean more financial aid. Contact your financial aid office for specific information.

Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
Information submitted on the FAFSA is used to calculate how much you and/or your family are expected to contribute toward your educational expenses each year. This Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and the cost of attendance for your educational program are used to determine your eligibility for aid. Students with high EFC's are generally eligible for less aid than students with low EFC's but the cost of attendance at your school can also be a factor in how much aid you receive.

Considering the Future
It's important to make sure the information on your FAFSA is correct and current. If your financial circumstances or information changes during the academic year or you realize you made a mistake on the form, contact your school's financial aid office as soon as possible to determine how you should proceed.