<p>I have heard that Tulane was very generous with Merit Aid for students with exceptional GPAs as your D has. I think you are going to have to cast a wide net because in this every changing world of student loans and aid, you have no way of knowing what criteria will be used for aid in a future year and when there can be surprise award from an unexpected school. In general I’ve heard that the BFA kids have done better than LAC kids with merit aid, I’ve heard of more surprises. Also, I’ve heard of kids that tried to play the merit aid game and fell short. Hopefully you can look at your state schools and possibly if there is a consortium of state schools which honor an In State tuition maybe there will be an affordable option.</p>