Colleges with similar vibe to Duke/Vandy with more merit $?

There are a lot of great suggestions here – and I echo Wash & Lee, Univ of Richmond, Furman, Wofford & Davidson – they all have great merit for tippy top students (which you will likely be a strong candidate for). Also, I’ve heard that Berry College in GA & Sewanee in TN both have great merit for top contenders, but I haven’t run the NPC or checked them out personally.

From personal experience, Creighton in Omaha has great merit & a low(er) starting price, so that may get you into your range — e.g. my kiddo’s COA after merit (of $29k) was $28k/yr – BUT his stats are not as high as yours, so I think you’d get more – plus be invited to compete for the full ride scholarships. Creighton appealed to my boys due to its medium size, in a mid-size city & the “rah rah” it has for basketball (we are a Duke family). Also, again from personal knowledge - U Miami has STAMPS & Singer scholarships (full ride) – but housing there is a BIG problem & an equally big gamble/headache that my kids ruled it out even with good scholarships/FA.

Also, have you looked in Texas? You may qualify for very large merit at TCU & Trinity University – both medium size schools.

Good luck - good news is your have academically placed yourself at the top of the heap for many great schools & options. Keep running the net price calculator & get your parents to commit to what the budget is so you can go into this journey prepared.

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