<p>OP, even at the UCs, you should qualify for grants/free tuition given the family income. Room and board if you are wanting to live at school will be what costs more. The Claremont Colleges tend to give good financial aid, with some of the schools being full need. It partly depends on how far away you want to go, since that also does add travel cost. Don’t sell yourself short. I agree with others who are saying that you should cast a wide net. Some of the schools that seem most expensive, if they also provide great financial aid, become quite affordable. Similarly, schools that provide merit aid, sometimes schools you have never heard of, can make it possible at times for you to have a completely free education. Wishing you the best!</p>