Determining Financial Need
Most financial aid awards are based on demonstrated financial need, which is the difference between the Cost of Attendance (COA) and the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). EFC is the amount that the government believes you and your family can be reasonably expected to contribute toward your college costs this year and is based on your FAFSA information (or California Dream Act Application for AB 540 students).
FATV Video: What does the term EFC stand for? (Watch the Video)
Costs & Financial Aid
COST OF ATTENDANCE (COA)
FATV Video: What is Cost of Attendance?
In order to treat all students equally, standardized budgets (COA) are established and applied to all applicants. This means all students with similar circumstances will receive the same allowance for tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, personal expenses, and transportation.
Other expenses may include, but are not limited to: dependent care, vocational/technical, and disability related expenses. Exceptions may be made to the budget in cases where need can be shown and documented.
Cost of Attendance (COA) – Expected Family Contribution (EFC) = Financial Need.
Estimated Cost of Attendance
Current Academic Year
| Type of Cost | 9 Months | 12 Months |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | $1,238 | $1,854 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,080 | $1,620 |
| Room & Board | $8,780 | $11,707 |
| Transportation | $938 | $1,251 |
| Personal Expenses | $3,225 | $4,300 |
| Total | $15,261 | $20,732 |
| Type of Cost | 9 Months | 12 Months |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | $1,238 | $1,854 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,080 | $1,620 |
| Room & Board | $16,580 | $22,107 |
| Transportation | $858 | $1,144 |
| Personal Expenses | $3,784 | $5,045 |
| Total | $23,540 | $31,770 |
In order to treat all students equally, standardized budgets (COA) are established and applied to all applicants. This means all students with similar circumstances will receive the same allowance for tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, personal expenses, and transportation.
Other expenses may include, but are not limited to: dependent care, vocational/technical, and disability related expenses. Exceptions may be made to the budget in cases where need can be shown and documented.
Students can apply for one or more of these programs by filing a free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Additional information can be found on the LACCD Financial Aid page.
CODES U.S. Dept. of Education’s Central Registry number: 1952587353A7 FICE code: 001227 U.S. Dept. of Education’s IPEDS number: 117724
Quick Facts
Once the student’s financial aid eligibility is established, a “package” of aid is provided which may be a combination of grants, work-study, and loan funds.
THE FINANCIAL AID AWARD
The campus processing the student’s aid produces an Award Letter and Award Guide. These are made available online.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
In certain cases, a family’s financial situation can change because of:
- Death in the family
- Separation or divorce
- Loss of employment or other income
- Loss of non-taxable income or benefits