<p>Don't worry about your friend's situation--- too many variables in play.</p>
<ol>
<li>Get the book</li>
<li>Get out your last year's tax return</li>
<li>Try the financial aid calculator</li>
<li>Start applying to colleges with your son</li>
<li>Apply lessons learned from the book to your situation going forward</li>
<li>Fill out the FAFSA by the due date (you can do it in several sessions online).</li>
</ol>