When our second kiddo went to college, we also thought our family situation changed drastically. Boston University only requires a Profile in years after freshman if your situation changes. So we completed it. Our family contribution per FAFSA went from $44,000 a year to $22,000 a year.
But our income and assets actually had remained about the same…no loss of job, no medical exoenses, no house burning down without insurance, etc. I think THIS is the type of circumstance they were looking for because BU, like RPI, does NOT guarantee to meet full need.
So for,schools that do NOT guarantee to meet full need…like RPI and BU and NYU…and the other vast majority of colleges…having a second child in college is NOT a shoe in for increased need based aid…or merit aid. The schools do not guarantee to meet full need…and the don’t.
But they will usually consider drastic financial changes.
Remember…sending that second kid to college is a choice. I know, I know…but really, it is.