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Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

The EFC is a measure of your family’s financial standing. It is calculated according to a formula established by law.

Your family’s taxed and untaxed income, assets, and benefits (such as unemployment or Social Security) are all considered in the formula. Also considered are your family size and the number of family members who will attend college during the year.

Please review our changes in finances page if you believe there has been significant changes in your financial circumstances.

Why is Expected Family Contribution (EFC) important?

The EFC helps determine your federal student aid eligibility and financial aid award. It is used in determining the amount of Pell Grant and other federal need-based awards you can receive.

The formula to determine base need for federal awards is simply:

Cost of Attendance (COA) – Expected Family Contribution (EFC) = Financial Need

Note: Your EFC is not the amount of money your family will have to pay for college nor is it the amount of federal student aid you will receive. It is a number used to calculate the amount of federal student aid you are eligible to receive.

The need formula can vary for scholarship consideration.

How to view your EFC in your Student Center

  • Fill out a FAFSA.
  • Wait for email confirmation through your BroncoMail that a FAFSA has been received.
  • Log into myBoiseState
  • Check your internet settings to allow pop-up screens
  • Go to your Student Center
  • Select the Student Homepage tile
  • Select the Financial Aid tile
  • Select the appropriate aid year
  • Scroll down and select Budget, Resources and Need
Budget, Resources and Need tab
  • Click on your Expected Family Contribution if not “0” to review the breakdown between you and your parents.
An example of Expected Family Contribution
  • In the example, this student is not demonstrating any need