<p>Better to use actual amounts. I was shocked to find that families making $60K can have EFCs of about $12-15K even with little in the way fo assets. Families at the $100K level will likely get only the STafford loans and whatever funds a college has on it own to give out. The EFC and the the PROFILE expectation can be $25, 30K. Also a shocker is when kids of single parents come up with an EFC which looks like it is palatable are hit with the non custodial parent’s info when FAFSA or other financial aid forms are required. It’s even more galling when your realize that the EFC is most likely not even going to be met by most colleges. IT just qualifies you for the Staffords and determines that you aren’t entitled to the PELL and other things that PELL eligible kids may get.</p>