<p>Absolutely, @fallenchemist. Well said. Honestly - the middle class families are the ones most hurt by the process. The Federal government now makes it possible for families to withdraw retirement savings to pay for college without penalty (although you pay normal taxes on the amount). Add to that Parent Plus loans which are approved to the full amount of EFC regardless of the parent’s employment (one college we visited even admitted that the feds don’t check to see if the parent have a job - only checks credit rating). So all of that plays into less aid for students because parent assets that weren’t considered available for use in the past are now considered assets and resources. To compensate, parents push scholarship hunts and don’t realize it takes a LOT of scholarships at $1-2,000 a pop to overtake even most financial aid in most cases.</p>
<p>So there is a rush for scholarships but no information for new parents about what happens when they are received. Hopefully some will look here. Going in with eyes wide open is an important step. A honest “sit-down” with FA staff members during campus visits might help too.</p>