How Aid is Calculated

Finding out how much financial aid you qualify for isn't very complicated. Here's the magic formula:

What is Cost of Attendance (COA)?

• The price tag for a year at the college you're considering.
• Includes fixed expenses like tuition, room and other student fees, and variable expenses like cafeteria, books and other supplies.
• The higher the COA, the more financial aid you're likely to get.

What is Expected Family Contribution (EFC)?

• The dollar amount you and your family can reasonably be expected to contribute toward college.
• Determined by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Calculated by the federal government, not WWU.
• Contestable, if you feel the FAFSA results don't reflect your unique family financial situation.

What is Financial Need (FN)?

• The difference between COA and EFC.
• Offset by financial aid--grants, scholarships, loans and work-study.

In other words, financial aid fills the gap between what college costs and what you and your family can afford to pay, and makes a Christian education possible.

You can estimate your expected family contribution by using this EFC Calculator. And here's a step-by-step guide to applying for financial aid, along with eligibility requirements.