<p>I’m looking for a university with excellent academics and research opportunities- possibly an honors program? I would prefer a student body that is intellectually curious and maybe even a little nerdy; I’m pretty sure I would fit in well with such a crowd and have a great college experience. Also, scholarships are important, so universities that offer good merit aid/ need based aid would be helpful. I really don’t want a ton of student loans if at all possible. I could probably get the equivalent of a full ride scholarship to attend my state university, but I’m not sure if I would really like overall atmosphere of the college; I don’t party and I definitely don’t want to be around a bunch of drunken fools.</p>
<p>I would like to major in biochemistry or chemistry. I’m not entirely sure yet. I might even decide I want to study astrophysics as a minor or dual degree just because it interests me.</p>
<p>Check out the top 30 or so on the following page:
[Kiplinger’s</a> Best Values in Private Colleges-Kiplinger (universities)](<a href=“http://www.kiplinger.com/tool/college/T014-S001-kiplinger-s-best-values-in-private-colleges/index.php]Kiplinger’s”>http://www.kiplinger.com/tool/college/T014-S001-kiplinger-s-best-values-in-private-colleges/index.php)</p>
<p>Or, if you’d consider a smaller school, work through the following list:
[Kiplinger’s</a> Best Values in Private Colleges-Kiplinger (LACs)](<a href=“http://www.kiplinger.com/tool/college/T014-S001-kiplinger-s-best-values-in-private-colleges/index.php?table=lib_arts&state_code[]=ALL&id[]=none]Kiplinger’s”>http://www.kiplinger.com/tool/college/T014-S001-kiplinger-s-best-values-in-private-colleges/index.php?table=lib_arts&state_code[]=ALL&id[]=none)</p>
<p>Most of the schools on both lists have good academics and motivated students. Some are more nerdy than others.</p>
<p>For many strong students, a good financial aid strategy will focus either on merit aid or on need based aid. Merit aid is always nice, but it is especially desirable if your parents are unable or unwilling to cover all of the Expected Family Contribution (which can be surprisingly high). If they are able and willing to cover the EFC, but you still have need, then it makes sense to consider colleges committed to meeting 100% of determined need. Many of those schools don’t offer much if any merit aid.</p>
<p>[Colleges</a> That Claim to Meet Full Financial Need - US News and World Report](<a href=“http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/paying-for-college/articles/2013/09/18/colleges-that-claim-to-meet-full-financial-need-2014]Colleges”>http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/paying-for-college/articles/2013/09/18/colleges-that-claim-to-meet-full-financial-need-2014)</p>
<p>For good merit aid options go to the Financial Aid forum and look at the stickies at the top for Full Tuition Scholarships.</p>