@RedSoxFan18 , that would be an interesting way to game the system. If I worked in development and had a friend in admissions, I could probably make a “deal” whereby you’d make a donation and get FA of the same amount. And really, what’s the difference to the school. But then again, if I worked for the IRS, I’d wonder why you didn’t have to sell your stock and pay me the capital gains for your regular consumption. I’m going to think about!
As for the main question, what we were told about college FA – and I think that the underlying premise is the same – is they want to see you put in some part of your past, some of your present, and some of your future. Clearly, if you have nothing (and there are kids at DS’ school who are from such extreme backgrounds that I would be ashamed to call anything in my life a hardship), there may not be much past or present, but what they don’t want to do is give you money when you’re sitting on an expensive home (or two), or telling them you have no money for them because you’re squirreling it all away for your future (as important as retirement savings may be). It DOES feel unfair for the savers, because someone who made the same amount and was frivolous isn’t asked to part with some part of his fun past while you’re expected to take out a second mortgage on your home. But alas, so it is. @ChoatieMom , you sound like a very cool person – I hope your son realizes how lucky he is.