Nonprofits Empowering
Student Success
We are the national trade association representing nonprofit and state-based higher education finance organizations. Our members increase access to postsecondary education and make higher education more affordable for millions of families every year.
EFC Members Served Over Three Million Families Last Year
In Managed Savings For Postsecondary Education Last Year
Families Served With Free College Access And Success Programming
%
Average Lowest Fixed Interest Rate on In-School Loans
In Grant Funding Administered Last Award Year
Advocacy
EFC 2024 National Impact Report
On September 17, 2024, EFC released the results of our 2024 National Impact Report showing how our members helped families plan and pay for college in Award Year 2023-2024. Over three million families trusted nonprofit and state-based organizations to help them grow their college savings accounts, complete the federal student aid application, access scholarships and grants, and make wise borrowing decisions.
Leveraging Tax Incentives to Make College More Affordable
While states’ historical investment in direct higher education subsidies gets most of the media attention, how and why states have leveraged the tax code to improve college affordability has gone largely unnoticed. This brief gives federal and state policymakers information about and recommendations to expand 529 plans and nonprofit, state-based student loan programs to help address the college cost crisis.
The Perils of PLUS Loans
This brief examines Direct PLUS Loan borrowing trends over time, identifies how borrowers are ill-served by the both the opacity and terms and conditions of the program, and makes recommendations federal policymakers can implement to improve the program for both borrowers and taxpayers.
The Efficacy of Wraparound Support Services on Improving Postsecondary Student Outcomes
This brief summarizes the characteristics of postsecondary students and the challenges they face, details how existing support services have benefited students, and makes recommendations to federal and state policymakers on how they can increase awareness of and access to these critical resources.
Events
2025 Annual Membership Meeting
March 20-21, 2024
San Diego, CA
The Annual Membership Meeting brings together financial industry participants, policymakers, and higher education advocates to discuss market activity and outlook, regulatory issues, pertinent legislation, and relevant higher education issues and features informative sessions and valuable networking opportunities for participants.
Students & Families
College Planning Made Easy
Are you excited about pursuing additional education but worried about how to navigate the process? Our members understand. Click on the button below to find the state-based nonprofit that can help you take the next step in your educational journey.
Undergraduate Students
We know that planning, applying, and paying for college can feel impossibly complex. That is why we created a simple guide to help you understand what you need to know and do at each stage in the process. Whether you are graduating high school or contemplating a return after gaining some work experience, we will connect you to the tools and resources you need.
Graduate Students
Think you want to continue your education but do not know where to start? Click on the button below to feel confident about your next steps. The resource will walk you through the basics of graduate school and cover everything from choosing and applying to the right program to understanding how to make graduate school more affordable.