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Determining Your Eligibility

MassBay Community College follows the U.S. Department of Education guidelines in administering its financial aid programs. Simply stated, the formula used to determine eligibility is:

Cost of Attendance - Expected Family Contribution = Financial Aid Need

The MassBay Financial Aid Office determines your cost of attendance. More information can be found about our Cost of Attendance on our website. The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is determined by information supplied on your FAFSA and calculated according to guidelines of the national “need-analysis” process established by the U.S. Department of Education. Some of the factors that are considered during need-analysis are as follows:

  • Family income;
  • Number of family members;
  • Number of family members attending college on at least a half-time basis;
  • Family assets, excluding the primary residence

Any aid received from outside sources such as private scholarships, grant awards and alternative loans will affect your financial need as these are also considered resources in determining your aid eligibility.

Financial aid eligibility is based on your resources and those of your parents, if you are a dependent student. If you are independent, your eligibility is based on your (and your spouse”s, if applicable) resources alone. If you are unsure if you are a Dependent or Independent Student, please visit this website to read about Dependency Status and how it is determined.