How Financial Need is Determined

  • Cost of Attendance
  • EFC

The Financial Need Formula

You must demonstrate financial need to receive grant aid. To determine financial need, the PVCC Financial Aid Office subtracts your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from the estimated cost to attend PVCC (see table below). The EFC is the amount the federal government believes that you and your family can contribute toward your education and it is calculated based on the information that you submitted on your FAFSA or VASA application. The Cost of Attendance includes tuition, fees, living expenses, books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. All grants and the Federal Direct Stafford Subsidized Loan cannot exceed the amount of demonstrated financial need. The total aid packaged including grants, scholarships, Federal Direct Stafford Subsidized, Unsubsidized and Parent PLUS Loans cannot exceed the student's Estimated Cost of Attendance at PVCC. 

If the cost to attend PVCC is greater than your EFC, you demonstrate financial need and are eligible for financial aid.

Estimated Cost to Attend PVCC
– Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
= Your Financial Need

Estimated Cost to Attend PVCC 2023-2024

Expense ItemsStudents Living With Parents      (in-state)Students Not Living With Parents (in-state)Out-of-State
Tuition/Fees$4,600$4,600$10,203
Books and Supplies$1,400$1,400$1,400
Living Expenses
(Not on campus)
$4,608$9,216$4,608
Transportation$2,800$2,800$2,800
Miscellaneous$2,500$2,500$2,500
Total:$15,908$20,516$21,511