Glossary of Financial Aid Terms

"E" Terms

Entrance Interviews

Counseling sessions that borrowers are required to attend before receiving their first federal loan disbursement . (For more information, see Entrance and Exit Interview Counseling.)

Estimated Financial Assistance (EFA)

The amount of student financial aid the student can expect from federal, state, school or other sources, including grants, loans or need-based work programs. The school uses this estimate when certifying loan applications.

Exit Interviews

Counseling sessions that borrowers are required to attend prior to leaving school. (For more information, see Entrance and Exit Interview Counseling.)

Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

Amount that a student and her or his parents can reasonably be expected to contribute toward college costs. For federal aid purposes this is computed according to federal guidelines. For institutional aid purposes this is computed using the 568 Consensus Approach. EFC is subtracted from total costs of attendance to arrive at an estimate of a student's demonstrated need.