<p>Depending on how the schools function, depends on how they use the EFC. With my school, it is just a number which goes into a complicated formula to determine the student's need based on cost of attendance. Typically, the lower the number, the better package is offered, depending on many other circumstances, such as actual cost. The EFC also isn't restricted to just 3 digits. I have seen instances where the EFC has been 99,999...which is the maximum it can go. For us, though, even someone with a 99,999 EFC, they are still eligible for aid...though it is just unsubsidized loans....but then again, with the program I do aid for, our students only qualify for Pell and Stafford Loans anyways.</p>