Folks who estimated their 2000 earnings may need to re-submit the form if their guesses were too far off. A quick glance at your W-2 form should tell you how close your estimate came. Most folks shouldn't have a problem. Colleges and universities start sending out admission acceptance letters in March and financial aid award notices come close behind. Expect a financial aid award letter to arrive within two weeks of an acceptance letter.
Many schools send out acceptance and aid notifications on the same day.
Some succeed more than others. Three schools with similar costs may offer very different financial aid packages. Much depends on a student's academic credentials, a family's financial need and how much aid is available from a school. Private schools tend to have deeper pockets than state schools. Many middle class families may find themselves in a tough spot.