What does the Federal Department of Education do with the FAFSA data?
The Department of Education (ED) takes the FAFSA data and calculates what it believes the family can afford to pay for the student’s education. This figure is called the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). How does the process work? 1. Student and parents complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. 2. The Department of Education calculates an expected family contribution (EFC) for the student. 3. The Department of Education forwards the FAFSA data and the EFC to all colleges listed on the FAFSA. 4. Cabrini’s Financial Aid Office uses the data to determine a financial aid award and mails this to the student. How is financial aid eligibility determined? What is on a financial aid award? The financial aid award will itemize all grants, scholarships, loans, and possible student employment funds. It shows how much money will go toward each semester of education for the school year. The notice also estimates the college cost, allowing families to subtract their financial aid so they can d