How Eligibility is Determined

Financial Aid Eligibility is defined as "the amount remaining after subtracting the family contribution and outside resources from the cost of education." Eligibility for most financial aid at Connecticut College is based on "need".

Cost of education

Cost of education includes all items necessary to cover one academic year. Below are all Items that are considered when calculating the cost of education.

Expected Family Contribution 

The information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), CSS Profile, and other documentation is used by the Financial Aid Office to calculate the expected family contribution. The federal methodology is used to determine federal and state eligibility and the college's institutional methodology is used to determine eligibility for institutional need based aid.

Factors that affect the award are student and parent(s)' income, assets (including trust funds), number in the household and number in college.  Income includes all taxable income and non-taxable income such as child support, Social Security benefits, public assistance, earned income credit, and contributions to a tax deferred retirement plan.

Simple Formula To Determine Need

The difference between our cost of education, expected family contribution and outside resources* is the student's eligibility for financial aid. The college is committed to awarding up to 100% of a student's eligibility providing deadlines have been met. Awards are usually a combination of grants, loans, and federal work study. Unless otherwise stated, financial aid awards are divided equally between semesters.

Last Modified: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 9:20