The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step in the financial aid process. You use the FAFSA to apply for federal student aid, such as grants, work-study, and loans. In addition, most states and colleges use information from the FAFSA to award nonfederal aid. Why all the questions? Most of the questions on the FAFSA are required to calculate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The EFC measures your family’s financial strength and is used to determine your eligibility for federal student aid. Your state and the colleges you list may also use some of your responses. They will determine if you may be eligible for school or state aid, in addition to federal aid. How do I find out what my Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is? Your EFC will be listed on your Student Aid Report (SAR). Your SAR summarizes the information you submitted on your FAFSA. It is important to review your SAR to make sure all of your information is correct and complete. Make corrections or provide additional information, as necessary.