Calculate Expected Family Contribution & Cost of Attendance

Cost of Attendance (CoA)

The cost of attendance reflects the maximum amount of financial assistance (grants, scholarships, work assistance and loans) a student may receive for the enrollment period (a semester, an academic year or summer term).

The cost of attendance is listed on the award notification. Students often confuse the cost of attendance also known as the financial aid budget with the actual cost of attending North Carolina Central University.

In addition to the cost of required fees, the financial aid office considers other living expenses students may incur during the school year.

The cost of attendance is the sum of the following:

• Actual tuition and fees or the school’s average tuition and fees
• Cost of room and board (or estimated living expenses for students who do not contract with the school for room and board)
• Estimated cost of books and supplies
• Allowance for transportation
• Allowance for miscellaneous expenses

Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

• The expected family contribution is a measure of your family’s financial strength and indicates how much of your and your family’s financial resources (for dependent students) should be available to help pay for your education.
• EFC is calculated from the information you report on the FAFSA.
• Your EFC is calculated according to a formula established by federal law. Your family’s income (taxable and untaxed), assets and benefits (for example, unemployment or Social Security).