<p>Over the weekend I was calculating my taxes. After finishing taxes, I decided to run my numbers through some college aid calculators. To my surprise I calculated $4000 from Princeton aid calculator. My family contribution (parent + kid) was $7500 from IM method. The highest contribution was from Federal method for family around $11,000 from federal method. </p>
<p>Thus, IM method produced a higher parental/kid contribution in the order of $3500 more. Similarly the federal methods asked even more $3500 over the Institutional Method. </p>
<p>Conclusion: It seems that Princeton financial aid package is the probably best. It makes applying ED to Princeton better option for a kid who is bright but need financial aid. </p>
<p>Input from other parents: Is this same thing for anyone who got aid from HYP that Princeton offer was best in real life? Please let me know. Thanks. How correct these calulators are if income remains same. Thanks</p>