This is reason #283 why I don’t like ED. It’s becoming almost required to declare one (and at one private school nearby, I hear rumors that it IS required.)
I suspect you have a case of buyer’s remorse.You’re in an environment where everyone is stressed and excited over a variety of schools. It’s impossible not to compare! Once you start college, you’ll be surrounded by people excited to be THERE. It will feel very different. Is this school in your top 5 picks? If so, I’d say go. (Even if not, you may not really have a choice at this point.)
If you go next fall and can’t make it work, then transfer.
I think this is such an unfair way to look at paying for college. It’s not as if those students would be able to suddenly quality for FA and be able to get loans on their own. They have to be independent for a year or more to be “free” of their parents income and considered poor enough to qualify for aid.
IMO both parents and students should be happy with the pick.