The Federal need analysis formula assesses income, expenses, assets and debts as well as the size of the family and the number of family members attending college to arrive at the Expected Family Contribution, or EFC. The EFC is the amount which the family may reasonably be expected to contribute toward meeting your college expenses. This process is called "need analysis". The theory of need analysis is based on the following assumptions:

• Students have primary responsibility to pay for their education
• Parents, to the extent that they are able, have responsibility to pay for their children's education.
• Parents will contribute, as they are able, funds for their children's education.
• Families should be evaluated in a consistent and equitable manner while recognizing that special circumstances can alter a family's ability to contribute.
  

All students (dependent and independent) are expected to contribute toward their education. Your expected contribution is determined by adding together all resources which include:

• Earnings from employment;
• A percentage of assets such as savings and investments.
• Other resources as listed on the FAFSA