<p>Yes - there is major sticker shock for us parents. If your mom is getting such a wild variation in EFC’s, it may be due to a finanical situation such as a business partnership or divorce - and accountant with a background in this type of situation may help.</p>
<p>In the EFC calculation - especially with institutional methodology - an assumption is made that you and your 'rents will scale back expenses and/or borrow to afford college. If your parents are not able or willing to do so, you have to take a pretty hard look at things financially.</p>