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<p>We came across this with our oldest too. In the end he is going to a college that is perfect for him and his desired major and got the equivalent of full tuition aid with very little in loans. We’re left with room & board + books, etc, which is essentially our EFC. In an overall list of colleges it’s not the most prestigious (nor near the bottom), but within his field it’s darn near the top (as per workers in his field). However, that son wants a totally different major, and therefore, was looking at totally different schools (aside from one or two in the beginning).</p>
<p>We’re looking to find schools for this son that might work out similarly - getting him his heart’s desire in an education without bankrupting us in the process or saddling him with endless loans. Those working in his field have cautioned us out the wazoo about getting into oodles of undergrad debt when one will likely go to grad school. They’ve also cautioned us that not all schools are equal in education. We’ll be looking at a lot of factors and trying to align those with his preferences if possible. I’m doubtful that it will be a top LAC. He really wants research, so I’m assuming on our visits in the fall that research facilities will have him seeing stars - perhaps even enough to overcome his preferences for size and/or setting if he can envision himself in the lab with peers. </p>
<p>Nonetheless, we’ll consider many options at this point as long as the SAT/ACT’s aren’t so low that I question the quality of education possible due to the ability of peers. Then I’ll look at grad school admission and affordability stats and have him shuffle his brochures accordingly to line up who actually gets a visit. He can decide from there.</p>
<p>I really appreciate all the thoughts on this thread. Thanks.</p>