Hi DadTwoGirls,
My family and I have run NCPs, but even with estimates, it uncertain how much aid will be awarded especially with COVID. With schools like Tufts University charging almost 80k per year, though my household is well-off, such a financial commitment is still burdening for my parents who have a younger child to pay for in a few short years.
Also to clear up the confusion with the out-of-state safeties, I have checked with my school counselor to make sure they are considered safeties for me especially with my major. Since they are public universities as well, even though they are out-of-state affordability-wise my parents are much more comfortable with them than some other private colleges I am applying to.