@ undecidedac96, I don’t know that factoring in cost in the college decision would make us stingy! The costs at the more expensive schools on the list would mean some sacrifice, from us and from my D, meaning some other things she wants (or may later need) might not be possible. What we can afford is somewhat subjective. People often want the more expensive option, but that might not always be the wisest.
I want my D to go somewhere she is comfortable and that offers great opportunities. The state school could offer that. I think there is a tendency for the students to automatically see the state schools as the lesser option. It may or may not actually be. There are many factors to weigh.
We don’t want her to dismiss the state school if she can be happy there, for a fraction of what it would cost at the other schools, based on what might be a flawed perception that the more expensive one would be the ‘dream’ school. I know many people have chosen the state safety over other options and have been happy with that choice. I want her to see the possibilities. 