EFC (Expected Family Contribution)

The Expected Family Contribution, or EFC, is the amount that you and your parents are expected to contribute toward your education. It is calculated each year using a federal need-analysis formula applied to your (and your parents' if you are a dependent student) income, asset, and other information reported on the FAFSA.

The EFC is not an actual amount that you and your parents will be billed for through UCSC. It is an approximation (based on the income/asset information listed on the FAFSA) of the total amount you and your parents may have to contribute throughout an academic year to cover your educational expenses.

To assist you with planning for your bill and determining your own individual budget/cashflow for the year, we recommend using our UCSC Budget Worksheet.

If the Expected Family Contribution appears unmanageable for your family, the Financial Aid Office may be able to offer you non-need-based loans to replace the EFC.

Parent Contribution

The amount of the parent contribution (calculated for dependent students only) is based on the information reported on your FAFSA and on information from verification documents we may request. The major factors we consider in determining the amount of the parent contribution are income, net assets (excluding equity in primary residence), household size, parent age(s), the number of children in the family, and the number of siblings enrolled in college.

Note: The parent contribution is considered as a financial resource even if you do not receive the full amount from your parents.

Student Contribution

The student contribution is based on your income and assets as reported on the FAFSA as well as on information from supporting documents we request. Students may earn money for their contribution during the summer or the school year. There are many jobs available on- and off-campus through the UCSC Career Center at www2.ucsc.edu/careers, or (831) 459-4420.