<p>Most private universities use the same general formula for determining a family’s EFC, and many families believe that the EFC is too high. I’m not convinced that Notre Dame “will bleed you dry” in comparison with other similar schools. The EFC is supposed to include not only current income, but past income (savings) and future income (loans). Whether that results an excessive debt load is obviously a question that families need to decide for themselves.<br>
Four years at ND will run you $200,000 or so, at today’s tuition level; therefore, a total $150K debt is not out of the question, especially if the OP’s family has a high income but has not saved sufficiently for college.</p>