Should I Go With (cheap) UF or (expensive) Shoot Higher?

@nimaj21

You might want to check this out. If they sense you are using them as a fall back you probably WILL be rejected.

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/news/local-education/why-cant-i-get-into-uf/nSWJW/

Another point…what exactly do you expect to gain if hypothetically you do gain admission to AN Ivy? What exactly would a degree from say Columbia net you(other than debt) than one from UF or any other reputable University?

Uh, no. The college gets to define what they consider need. However HYPSM are the most generous of all schools. As @Zinhead stated you can get good aid at H with income up to $200K. But those schools are also the most competitive to get into. Definitely run the Net Price Calculators for each school. Be aware that if your parents own a business your income for FA will be higher than what your taxes show. Many business deductions get discounted for FA.

^^^Retirement contributions get added back in regardless if you have a business or are employed. I firmly believe they do this to punish the Kulaks.