<p>astrophysicsmom, the first family does not have a higher EFC on the fafsa, b/c home equity is not taken into consideration on the fafsa, if I remember correctly. The profile is another story.</p>
<p>Reflectivemom, the real problem is that the cost of sending a kid to college for public and private schools, has spiraled out of control, and there does not seem to be any end in site. Eventually, all but the rich and top % of our brightest students, who on a full ride, will be priced out. It is just a matter of time. Frankly, this has already happened to one of my son's friends (from a middle class family). He would love to go to college, but he does not have transportation to get to a cc, and the parents are in debt from kiddo #1. They hope to send this child after they recoop financially from child #1. He is currently working a low paying job for his second year. His parents have sold their home, and moved to a less expensive home. H now commutes over 1.25 hours in each direction daily.</p>