<p>I like 1536's advice.</p>
<p>Northstarmom, you may note that I gave $40k as an amount I think would be manageable for me to take on, considering that I will have to defer the debt (and take the interest hit) through grad school. My point is that I don't feel that I can morally dump that extra $100k that it is going to cost in my parents' laps.</p>
<p>I'll add that the only thing I blamed them for was also the only thing you blame them for -- not being completely upfront about the whole thing.</p>
<p>And TheDad, in general I appreciate the (admittedly monotonous) advice you dispense. But, as I said, I just can't dump that bill in their lap. Compromise is an important part of any process.</p>
<p>And no, I'm not accepted to Columbia yet, so that bridge may not even be there to cross.</p>
<p>Did you apply for financial aid? Familes making well in the 6 figures get financial aid from expensive colleges with need-based aid like Columbia.</p>
<p>Yes, we did. We're waiting but the preliminary FAFSA numbers tell us that we're a good bit outside the range.</p>