<p>Also, pardon my ignorance on this subject, but what schools allow freshmen to have singles? Certainly the top LACs do not, and almost all the top universities do not – the notable exception that I know of is Duke (you pay a higher amount if you want a single compared to a double, triple, etc for freshman year, but sophomore year and after you generally have a roommate or two). </p>
<p>It sounds to me like you want to get “a great education” while living off campus by yourself for four years – if this is the case, perhaps you should look at schools closer to your home where you can either get an apartment or continue living at home.</p>