These three colleges…well…the depth of their financial pockets varies. Yale has a lot more money, and deeper pockets…and awards need based aid to higher income families than most colleges.
You can call Bowdoin and tell them they are your top choice but that your net costs at Vassar and Yale are $10,000 less. Maybe they will give you some additional money…and maybe not.
But here is your issue…if Bowdoin increases your need based aid for freshman year…there is no guarantee they will do so in subsequent years.
I guess my question is…why not Vassar or Yale.