"A number of the nation's top schools have changed the way they calculate financial aid, providing steep discounts to families earning as much as $180,000 to $200,000. Many offer more merit-based aid than need-based aid," The Wall Street Journal reports. "If your child isn't among a school's scholarship winners, try negotiating with the financial-aid office; many schools are willing to negotiate. And there are student loans, scholarships from other sources, and home-equity lines of credit. The credit crisis has taken a toll on college loans. More than ever, families need to compare financial-aid packages, bargain with schools and apply for loans and scholarships early. They also may want to consider a home-equity loan, paying tuition monthly and encouraging children to get a part-time job."