@Emsmom1: Everything I heard is that Columbia’s and WashU’s fin aid for 3-2 kids is as good as for their entering freshmen.
The bigger risk is not getting in or struggling once in. For Columbia, you can’t get lower than a B in any required STEM class. For both, you need a decently high GPA.
If the STEM classes are really easy at the LAC, the 3-2 student may struggle when they get to Columbia/WashU. 2 years of all engineering classes at an elite is no joke and harder even than being able to spread them out over 3-4 years, as regular engineering majors are sometimes able to do.