Is there ever secret merit-based aid?

[Anonymous]

My husband & I make about $175,000 combined. We have one child. We didn't qualify for a penny of aid for private school. We live more frugally than most -- 1 car -- small house (1100 sq. ft.) -- don't have college loans (because we went to our local colleges)etc. We knew of other people too who gamed the system -- they put all of their assets in other people's names -- just like some older people do to qualify for free nursing homes and the likes. We were a little bit irked when we failed to get a dime -- but we figured karma would have a way at coming around at the cheaters.

For college we weren't even going to apply since we figured we'd get nothing -- but the Ivies have higher income thresholds -- we get a few thousand dollars which really helps. We are grateful and humbled that people wealthier than us are making it possible.

[Anonymous]

bump