<p>Nemesis - regarding the distant relative who can contribute to your college costs. . .best not to have the relative give you that money each year, as that would likely have a negative effect on the financial aid packages you will be offered. Per a response on the financial aid board, best strategy is to “borrow the money from the relatives and let them forgive the loans later, or borrow the money and have them pay off the loans.”</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>