For the average student, financial aid is what makes the high costs of college tuition affordable. Even with substantial savings made by a parent, financial aid tends not to be avoidable. To receive financial aid, students apply through the FAFSA - an application officially named the Free Application For Student Aid. At no cost, thus free, students provide data regarding their eligibility for financial aid, which is then provided to the college and also to other sources of aid. Most importantly, the FAFSA makes a determination on the student's EFC, or Expected Financial Contribution, which is the amount expected to be paid by the family. From here, the sources of aid will use this eligibility information along with other factors to decide how much funding will be provided. This funding will come in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and work study.