How Aid Works



Need-based aid is given to students who demonstrate financial need, based on the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) . There are three kinds of need-based aid:

  • Grants and scholarships are gifts that do not have to be repaid.
  • Federal Work Study funding is money you earn by working at a part-time job.
  • Loans are borrowed money that must be repaid over a period of time.

Anticipated aid

Once student financial aid is accepted, it will be considered "Anticipated Aid" on the monthly billing statement. The balance remaining after anticipated aid will be billed to the student.

If you are receiving aid that is not reflected on the billing statement you MUST contact Student Financial Assistance. Once they have been notified and the aid is approved/verified and posted on your account as anticipated aid, the Cashier's Office can recalculate your payment. 

Financial aid is not considered to be disbursed and eligible for refund calculation until it applies to the student account. It will then appear in the 'Current Payment/Credits' column of the monthly billing statement.

Definition of need


Usually the cost of attendance refers to the total amount of education expenses (tuition, books and supplies, room and board, personal expenses, transportation expenses, etc.). 


Definition of expected family contribution


Before you can get an EFC, you must complete and submit a FAFSA. Once your FAFSA has been processed, you will receive your official EFC number. Student Financial Assistance uses the EFC to determine financial need, which is defined as the difference between the cost of attendance at S&T and your EFC. 

How the EFC is calculated:

  • Based on a formula established by the federal government

How the EFC is used:

  • Used by institutions and the state to determine a student's eligibility for other aid programs

The EFC is not:

  • The amount of student aid you will receive