<p>Lucie
Some docs work academics where their income is equivalent to the non profit sector. Most all can qualify for a Salle Mae loan for college as needed.<br>
You can also look at it that most of the IVYs/S/D now give free tuition if < $100,000 – so if you think a private school can increase the chances of child getting into such, then take the loan now and go for it. We used second morgage on house. Tax deductable and worked great.
If it is between school A that gives you FA and Exeter type that does not, then accept the school A.<br>
Sorry, but it is a pet pieve of mine when parents try to “negotiate” with the adcom re: FA. My answer is then go with the other school.</p>