The amount and type of financial aid a student is awarded depends upon the student's request, the date of application and the student's financial need as determined by a FAFSA.

Contributions expected from the student and from his or her parents are considered in establishing financial need and determining eligibility for financial aid. The expected family contribution is calculated using a mathematical formula established by Congress. This formula analyzes a number of factors to determine financial need, including the following:

· parents' income and assets,
· the age of the oldest parent,
· the number in the household,
· the number attending college and
· the student's income and assets.

An independent student's need is based on the resources of his or her family unit; parental contribution is not considered.

All eligible applicants will receive financial assistance. However, if federally funded programs administered by Student Financial Aid cannot meet full demand, funds are awarded first to students with the greatest amount of financial need or the lowest expected family contribution. To determine eligibility for aid, the total expected family contribution is subtracted from the total cost of attendance. The figure remaining is the student's maximum eligibility for need-based federal student financial aid and scholarships. However, federal student aid and University scholarships are limited, and students should not assume that their full need will be met. Students should be aware that supplementary programs, such as the PLUS Loan, may be a necessary part of funding their Clemson University education.