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<p>According to its Common Data Set for 2008-2009, Earlham College fully met the need of 98 of 194 students determined to have need. The average percentage of need met, among all students awarded need-based aid, was 91%. These figures do not include loans.</p>
<p>Which will work out better for this family, 91% of need based on a lower EFC, or 100% of need based on a higher EFC? We don’t really know, because we don’t know the spread between the two EFC calculations. However, I assume the OP’s family investigated this and decided the spread was significant. </p>
<p>Besides, the most generous schools (need-blind, 100% of need, no loan) may not be an option for the OP at this point.</p>