The Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) is the amount VenturEd estimates your family can reasonably contribute toward tuition at a private K–12 school. It’s calculated based on information about your income, expenses, assets, and debts. The Affordability Calculator uses historical data from families with a similar financial profile to determine a range for your estimated EFC.
VenturEd’s SSS Financial Aid software uses a nationally recognized methodology developed and maintained by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). This methodology has been in use since the 1950s and is designed to ensure fairness, consistency, and alignment with best practices in financial aid management.
The methodology originated with a coalition of independent boarding schools and was entrusted to NAIS in 1968. Since 2016, NAIS has collaborated with VenturEd to maintain and evolve the methodology
NAIS actively updates the methodology to reflect current economic realities and ensure it remains relevant and equitable.
A volunteer group of financial aid professionals from private schools advises NAIS on methodology updates. This group helps uphold the principles of need-based aid and supports strategic leadership in affordability and access
When completing a full SSS application, your EFC will be calculated through the following steps. The AffordAbility Calculator uses historical data from families with a similar financial profile to provide an estimated range for your EFC so that you can get a quick and accurate estimate without entering all details.
The NAIS Methodology begins with your total income and subtracts essential expenses like taxes and basic living costs to determine your discretionary income — the portion potentially available for tuition.
A portion of your net worth (assets minus debts) is considered. This includes home equity, savings, and investments, minus liabilities.
The EFC is adjusted based on how many children you have enrolled in tuition-charging schools. The expectation is that your contribution will be divided among them.
If the student has savings or assets in their name, a portion is expected to go toward tuition.
With your consent, SSS can retrieve verified tax data directly from the IRS, improving accuracy and reducing paperwork.
Each school has its own financial aid policies, budget, and priorities. Here’s how they typically use the EFC:
Schools use the EFC as a starting point to understand your financial capacity and determine how much aid may be needed to bridge the gap between tuition and affordability.
Schools review your full application, including any explanations or special circumstances you’ve shared. They may also verify your information against tax documents.
Schools may adjust the EFC based on their own policies or unique family situations — such as job loss, medical expenses, or other factors not fully captured in the application.
Using the EFC and their own criteria, schools determine how much financial aid to offer. This may include grants, scholarships, or other forms of assistance.
Final financial aid awards are determined not only by a family’s demonstrated need, but also by the availability of financial aid funds at the school and the school’s overall mission. Please note that these funds are often limited, and not all eligible applicants may receive the full amount of aid for which they qualify.
