Agreed that Harvard (and Ivy League colleges in general) can offer great financial aid. But the offer is based on demonstrated need, or, as one old Harvard document said, "ability to pay, not willingness to pay." That's why a student whose parents don't agree to step up (the situation I am asking about) is hosed. Families with low incomes and assets, who apply, are likely to be bowled over by the generosity of the financial aid offer. See the Princeton online estimator

http://www.princeton.edu/admission/financialaid/estimator/

or Dartmouth's cost estimator

http://www.dartmouth.edu/apply/financialaid/calculator/index...

for examples. But please note that if the parents have some estimated family contribution above zero but are unwilling to pay that, the student is stuck. I'm asking about the plan B in such situations here, on behalf of a friend and similarly situated young people.