<p>I think the really interesting thing is how this thread very clearly shows just how easy it is to game the current FA system. Now it’s not as relevant here because this is about grad school but what if the daughter was a couple of years younger and he had decided to retire just before she entered college. Suddenly the family would be eligible for a much larger FA award purely based on the personal choices of the family. At any rate it’s not the point of this thread so I will stop but the current FA system is terribly flawed and is the one of principle reasons causing the higher education bubble.</p>
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<p>Not necessarily. Even if they suddenly went to an EFC of 0, they’d get a whopping 5550. Depending on the school, that is likely to be all. That’s not much compared to the loss of income. </p>
<p>But you’re right. Not the point.</p>
<p>Don’t get me started. If you retire (or are laid-off) and you don’t have a pension or home equity (you rent) but have cash you get nothing.</p>