How Your Financial Aid Eligibility Is Determined To qualify for most financial aid programs, you must demonstrate financial need according to criteria established by the Federal government. Your need determines the maximum amount you can be awarded from need-based financial aid. Non-need based loans may be used to replace the Expected Family Contribution. Eastern establishes standard budgets which reflect the average educational costs for Eastern students for a nine-month academic year. These standard budgets are intended to provide an adequate, but modest lifestyle.
Budgets vary depending on living arrangements and state residency.
Except for day care, living expenses for a spouse and dependents are not included in the budget. Those costs are considered when determining the expected family contribution. Costs for study abroad may also be considered if the program has been approved for credit at Eastern. Documentation must be provided for all budget adjustments. The following chart shows student costs for 2000-2001.