I just want to clarify that the only reason I commented about the reprehensible tuitions was that I was being accused of “unfairly” wanting to keep our hard earned income and assets rather than just turn them over to a University.
This system is corrupt and trying to optimize our data is the only responsible action. Imagine if all cars had a list price of a quarter of a million dollars and you have to show your tax returns to negotiate a reasonable price!
So many commenters also seem to think that we’re complete idiots and don’t have plans for safe schools and state schools with merit etc as I said already that we did. Don’t know why asking technical questions about property valuation leads people to believe we don’t know the first thing about college application. My wife and I were lucky enough to attend excellent private universities at a time when they cost 1/6 of today.