<p>“Congress could fix this with a stroke of the pen.”</p>
<p>Call me a cynic, but I don’t think there is much that Congress can fix with or without a pen! 
</p>
<p>“On the other hand, some people spend every dime they earn and if they are earning 150k or more a year, they are spending at least that much on cars, vacations, mortgage, private school tuition, taxes and eating out.”</p>
<p>Listen, $150k looks a lot better on paper then it does in “real” life particularly in the NYC and surrounding areas where living expenses are very high. Not everyone making that money lives large. And not everyone making that money has significant funds left over to save either. I can assure you that many families on LI with income in the $150-$200k range are not what you would consider rich. We are certainly doing ok but money is still a factor in ALL decisions. </p>
<p>I am glad that Fordham gave my public school S merit aid. It’s still significantly higher than a SUNY but we think it will be worth it because it is a much better fit. And my kids are 4 years apart so even though I have another kid to get through college, I will have only one at a time in college for the next 8 years which apparently means I have less “need” than someone whose kids are spaced closer together. How is THAT fair especially if it means my possibly having to take PLUS loans? </p>
<p>I feel very blessed that not only was Fordham my S’s first choice school but financially it worked out for us as well. I know that is not the case for a lot of people out there and I feel for them. But please, don’t think that it won’t be a struggle for us, too, even with merit aid and what is considered a higher income!</p>