<p>“Since a Plus Loan can be taken out regardless of whether one is listed in the FA package or there is a gap, putting one in FA package should not really be considered “meeting need,” otherwise every school could do that.”</p>
<p>My understanding is that universities offer direct student loans on different terms from Plus Loans to parents.</p>
<p>“That suggests that a misunderstanding that schools charge a “sliding scale” based on an EFC number.”</p>
<p>I do not think I suggested that. I used the standard wording I have seen used in financial aid discussions. </p>
<p>If you think all such discussions are fundamentally dishonest, because only meeting need with grants would be truely “meeting need” than by all means say so, as then I will more clearly understand what you mean.</p>
<p>As info, the college my DD will be attending filled almost all need beyond the federal perkins and stafford loans with grants. That may be why I am less familiar with the details of other packages.</p>