This study compares the amount parents proposed to contribute to their child's education and the amount they can reasonably be expected to pay, based on two separate financial formulas. The two formulas are the consensus methodology developed by the National Task Force on Student Aid Problems (the Keppel Commission) and that of the family contribution schedule for the Basic Educational Opportunity Grant program. The data were drawn from the need analysis documents filed with the College Scholarship Service by 10,000 dependent students. The study found substantial variations between what is expected and what is offered by parents. As family income increased, the percentage of families willing to contribute what was expected decreased and the dollar-value difference between expectation and offer increased. These and other findings may have implications for students' access to, choice in, and retention in postsecondary education. (MSE)