<p>Just having any sibs that you assume will attend college will NOT lower the EFC--they have to be attending college at the same time as you for EFCs to be reduced.</p>
<p>thank you!</p>
<p>Each family gets an income protection allowance-- based on the number in the family, and the number in college. This income is sheltered-- it doesn't get assessed in the formula. Under the Federal Methodology, each additional child will raise the income protection allowance by about 4K, which in turn, lowers the available income by about 4K. For most, this will lower the EFC by about 2k (the exact amount depends on income). And that, in turn increases your potential financial aid by about 2K per additional child.</p>
<p>So yes, having additional kids lowers your EFC.</p>