How Eligibility is Determined

Need based financial aid eligibility is defined as "the amount remaining after subtracting the calculated family contribution and outside resources from the cost of education." The Connecticut College Net Price Calculator will provide you with an estimated need based financial aid package.

The cost of education includes all items necessary to cover one academic year. Here's a typical student budget:

The information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), CSS Profile, and other documentation is used by Financial Aid Services to calculate a student's eligibility for need based financial aid. The FAFSA is used to determine federal and state eligibility and the CSS Profile is used to determine eligibility for institutional need based aid.

Factors that affect eligibility for need based financial aid include student and parent(s)' income, assets (including trust funds), number in the household, and number in college. Income includes all taxable income and non-taxable income such as child support, Social Security benefits, public assistance, earned income credit, and contributions to a tax deferred retirement plan.

Our simple formula to determine need

The difference between the cost of education budget, calculated family contribution, and outside resources* is the student's eligibility for need based financial aid. The College is committed to meeting 100% of a student's demonstrated eligibility, providing deadlines have been met. Need based financial aid packages are usually a combination of grants, loans, and federal work study. Unless otherwise stated, financial aid packages are divided equally between semesters.

*Other resources include such items as: employee tuition benefits, contributions from relatives, etc.