The way I see it, this family has 3 options. The OP says they will not pursue merit based awards to safety schools.
- Rutgers- they will be expected to pay full room and board unless merit is given
- Full pay to top schools if accepted
- Apply for competitive scholarships such as the Robertson ...and then don’t count on any. If either twin receives one, it’s a pleasant surprise.
That’s it. Done. The OP needs to count his blessings that they have an income of $360,000 and $1.9 million in non-retirement assets. This means they can pay for top schools, and will be expected to. This family is wealthy, as far as I am concerned. It might not be at the level of Oprah, but it is certainly enough to pay for college.