<p>I know from personal experience (we pay full tuition), based on how much we were offered in unsubsidized loans, that it is possible for a family to pile up FAR more than a $20k debt. ;-D</p>
<p>In establishing institutional EFC, the CSA Profile looks at many assets – not just income – so I can easily imagine that many families might be unable to meet their EFC without taking some loans. </p>
<p>This is true of all schools, not unique to NU.</p>