Need is calculated by subtracting a student's Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from their Cost of Attendance (COA). Most financial aid that we award is need-based. If the financial aid is not enough to cover the Need, then the remaining amount is considered Unmet Need.
Need-based programs include the following (but are not limited to):
- Federal Pell Grant
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
- Federal Work Study (FWS)
- Federal Perkins Loan
- Federal Teach Grant
- Federal Stafford Subsidized Loan
- State University Grant (SUG)
- Cal Grant
- State Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Grant
Typically merit-based scholarships and fee waivers/remissions are not awarded based upon a student's Expected Family Contribution (EFC) or financial need. However, please note that scholarships and fee waivers/remissions are included when determining unmet need.