Affordability is a precondition before you even start applying for schools Otherwise you’re completely wasting your time. If I have $15,000 to buy a car, there’s no reason to start shopping around for a Porsche. Car shopping is a big enough hassle as it is. Just focus on a good list of schools in your price range. If you can get into UCLA, you can get a scholarship. That, in my opinion is a much better deal. Check out TCU and Alabama.