<p>I have seen families that have a zero EFC get combined parent and student expected contributions of over $10K at times. So it would not surprise me to see families at the $40-60K range being asked to come up with more than they can Heck, we see families making well in the 6 figure range, $200-400K saying they can only come up with maybe $10K a year for whatever reason, and so asking someone making mid 5 figure incomes for a quarter or a third of what they make is truly a tough nut for them to make. And, yes, I am talking about some very good schools here. Miniumum student contributions are at about the $4K range even for student coming from zero EFC situations. </p>
<p>I don’t know anyone who will deliberately lower income and get rid of assets to get more finanical aid for kids. The risks, of not getting enough even with top of the line kids (in terms of academic numbers) are way too high and the overall hit to standard of living make it non worth while And yet many will complain that those who are “poorer” are getting a bonanza from the system. Well, it’s easy enough to get yourself in position to get this “bonanza”. Not going the other way, however. But no one does it.</p>