<p>mammall, we were in a similar position 5 years ago when our son was a hs junior. Though he was a good student and could be admittied to many fine colleges(not HYP but the likes of Cornell and Wesleyan) we made a decision that paying $180,000 for an undergraduation was foolish given other fine options.</p>
<p>We have never regretted the choices we made and our son has received a top notch education, achieve several academic successes and is enjoying himself greatly.</p>
<p>Our retirement savings are intact(well not quiet with the three week market downturn) and about $50,000 of his college savings(which was $76,000 when he enrolled frosh year) remains for use when he graduates next may.</p>
<p>Regrets? None. </p>
<p>Be happy that your child is a good student who will take full advantage of the academic opportunities regardless of where she/he attends.</p>