Statistically most kids do not get above the 51% (obviously) on the SATs either so that they qualify for top colleges (or whatever the number is). Most do not earn a GPA over 3.8 or even 3.3. We are talking about a specific segment that can qualify for schools that provide need based aid without a gap or one that is manageable.
Perhaps our discussions should be limited to how to pay for community college. While I applaud everyone interested in going to college, whether it is a community college in Wyoming part time or Harvard, the reality is far more posters on this site are trying to figure out their chances of admission or financial aid at a top 100 college (public or private) than anything else.
Interestingly, all two parent families pay a penalty in FA if only one parent is working and the other is not a dislocated worker. It reduces aid by at least $1,000 if not more depending on the school. Try an NPC with the same income divided between two parents and then made by only one parent.
@kelsmom, you are absolutely right and that is the real reason no one should quit a job for financial aid. However hindsight is just that and perhaps at 25 or 35 you had other priorities and did what made the most sense for your family at the time. No can completely say what your associates gave up in non monetary compensation to make those higher salaries.