How Aid is Awarded

There are three elements that assist us in determining students' financial aid awards:

• Estimated Expenses (student budget)

• Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

• Financial Need

Financial need is calculated by subtracting the Expected Family Contribution from the Estimated Expenses. Other factors that determine the types and amounts of awards are level of financial need, Federal Pell Grant eligibility, class level, major, enrollment status, prior degree, aggregate loan limits, funding levels, residency, state and federal regulations, and institutional philosophy.

The student budget allows for education-related costs for the student only, not for family members, as described below.

• Tuition and Fees--full-time instructional costs and mandatory fees, based on your Tuition Classification classification.

• Living Allowance--average cost of housing, food, and utilities for students living on or off campus. Residence hall contracts vary by hall, room type, and meal plan choices.

• Books and Supplies--average cost of textbooks and supplies.

• Miscellaneous--allowance for transportation, recreation, health care, and personal expenses.

• Health Insurance--cost of student health insurance policy for independent students at Colorado State University.

For day-care costs or unusual expenses, students may contact a financial aid counselor.