@austinmshauri No, I said that the NPC told us that we would be paying ~$17,000-$18,000 a year after my freshman year. My parents told me that had a maximum budget of $35,000-$40,000 a year. The only reason my freshman year will cost $50,000 is because we had a one-time income that was used to pay our bills.
You’re right. My father did not borrow 100 grand from his retirement plan because things were going well. My mother had lost her job, her disabilities had her hospitalized several times that year, and we incurred lots of medical expenses from both of my parents because both of them struggle with many different illnesses. It was a one time thing. We were struggling to get by. Now, we are not. My parents have told me that they will not need to take out any more retirement money in the future, so our AGI will go back to the usual amount.
I have added another financial safety to my list just in case. I now have around 4 schools tat should be affordable if I don’t get into Duke.