Thanks to everyone who contributed. I really do appreciate the info and got what I needed. As just an FYI, I got some college info as far as colleges that meet needs from a couple of websites.
Essentially, and despite feeling like a wounded antelope on the plains of Africa in this forum, which is really a compliment to the knowledge and experience of those commenting in this thread, I will go out on a limb and say that generally, I feel confident that my second child will get a very good financial aid package that HE will be comfortable with and be able to pay off loans after college that won’t kill him.
As just an FYI, my 401K is essentially not material, unfortunately. My first son had financial aid packages that were all over the place. He did get a better deal at a few private schools than the state schools.
The only think I can offer is that a huge consideration is shopping. Shop for schools like you would a big ticket item. Prices are all over the place as there are so many factors. Also, keep in mind that many of these schools don’t necessarily adhere to the regulations and shoulds and woulds mentioned in this thread, not everything is written in stone but if it is, that doesn’t mean it will be followed, like it or not. Afterall, the people managing this in colleges are human.
Thanks again.