@MonroeMomof3 The “EFC” given via the Fafsa is not necessarily the total “Family Contribution” the student or family pays. It depends on the college and it’s generosity. In your example, in the end, the 8400 means nothing. The confusion in terms misleads many.
Ideally, a college would be frank. In this case, “Tuition is 14000 and we’re giving you nothing. Your bill is 14000 and you can pay it or pay part, borrow up to 6500, but we expect 14000.”
Instead, some “package” a loan in there, to make your part “seem” less. It looks like you only have to cough up 14000 - 6500 loan = 7500. Some kids and families think it’s deal and forget the loan is on them. You can see, in this case, the 8400 Fafsa EFC means nothing.
Worse, some kids have a tuition and room/board cost of far more than 14000 and end up taking both the student loans and finding other loans and one day, after graduation, the reality hits them that they’re acres in debt.