Each year when you submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you are applying for federal, state and university aid. There are three types of financial aid—grants, work-study and student loans. If you need additional funding to supplement your financial aid package, alternative student loans are an option. The types of awards offered to you are based on your and your family’s financial resources, as well as the availability of funds.

When awarding financial aid, we are required to take into consideration both your cost of attendance and estimated family contribution (EFC). The cost of attendance is the average amount it will cost a student to attend Texas State. The estimated family contribution (EFC) is the amount of assistance you and your family are expected by the federal government to contribute toward your education during an academic year. To calculate your need and determine the types and amounts of aid for which you are eligible, we use the cost of attendance and estimated family contribution as follows:

Financial Need Calculation Example
Cost of Attendance	$21,130
Estimated family contribution (EFC)	-$5,000
Financial need	$16,130

Once your need is established, you will be awarded any grants for which you are eligible and then work-study funds.  As a last resort, we offer you loan assistance. Of course, if based on your budget you do not need all of the loan, do not borrow the full amount.  Just let our office know the lower loan amount you wish to borrow, and we will adjust your loan award.