<p>The whole financial aid process comes about because of equal access. The EFC and even the CSS/PROFILE spits out different numbers for different people because it has to do with making the same contribution for everyone. There’s also income shelter - someone who makes $25,000 a year probably won’t have to contribute 30% of their income because there is no disposable income, whereas someone who makes $150,000 has disposable income. That person is expected to pay the disposable income plus more, which is why it comes out so high. Not necessarily in the case of anyone on this thread, but a lot of people are living way above their means or are not making realistic decisions. If the parent decides he or she wants to support the child in paying for a top tier college, then certain decisions and sacrifices must be made prior to application season. If the parent doesn’t or can’t make those decisions or sacrifices, that child doesn’t go to a top tier school. It’s the same for everyone. I have to make decisions and sacrifices as a low-income student, and so must the middle class. The rich, well, they either got lucky or worked hard (usually a combination of both), so they may not qualify for that statement.</p>