The determination of your financial need for your college education depends on two numbers, COA and EFC.

COA is the Cost of Attendance for your school. This figure may also be known as the school's "budget."

EFC is the Expected Family Contribution. This is the amount of money your family is expected to contribute to your education.

Your financial need is the difference between the COA and EFC:

COA - EFC = Financial Need

Your school will try to meet this demonstrated need through a financial aid "package," which combines aid from federal and state sources with loans, institutional grants, and student employment.