You may download the College Aid Calculator file to your computer for future, easy access. The download version of CAC allows entering additional detail and enables you to save your data. If you choose to download the file to your computer, the first prompt you will receive is the File Download dialog box. Be sure you choose the option "Save this file to disk." To begin downloading, click the following link:

Although there are many variables considered by financial aid offices, this calculator can serve as a tool to help you plan your payments or calculate your estimated family contribution (EFC), but does not represent an official response from a school. The professional judgment of the financial aid administrator at each institution is an important part of the process that cannot be replicated by any online calculator.

There are nine main data entry screens. A help message appears towards the right of each screen. It will have information about how the aid formulas work and exactly what information is being asked for at every step. It takes most people about 15 minutes to complete the data entry and calculate the EFC.