The amount of aid you receive is based on your FAFSA.
The information you provide on the FAFSA is put through a calculation established by the federal government.
- This calculation provides an amount the government has determined that your family can afford to pay toward your college expenses.
- This is called your Expected Family Contribution, or EFC.
- Next, the University’s Cost of Attendance is determined.
- Subtracting these two figures gives the Office of Financial Aid your financial aid need at UNC Charlotte.
Expected Family Contribution - Cost of Attendance = Financial Aid Need
- If the Cost of Attendance is more than your determined Expected Family Contribution, then you may have financial need.
- Every effort is made to meet that need with a package that may include grants, work-study, and loans.
Estimating federal aid
- If you’re not ready to apply for federal student aid, but you’d like to estimate your aid, try FAFSA4caster.
- FAFSA4caster is an early eligibility estimator that can help you plan ahead when it comes to paying for college.