<p>That’s a good point. I was just thinking – even colleges with the most generous need-based policies (such as the Ivys) would expect a family with $200,000 earmarked for college and a $120,000 annual income to do without much in need-based grants. </p>
<p>Honestly, what I think that for anyone in this scenario they really need to consider having at least one or two schools for each student that they know they can pay for without need-based aid. $100,000 is more than enough to pay for four years at many (if not most) colleges; for the ones that cost more, they can seek merit aid opportunities. I wouldn’t assume merit aid from colleges that I was deferred on though, just treat it as a bonus if it does come through.</p>