If there is a possibility of qualifying for some need-aid, it is worth running the NPC at one of the 100% meets need schools. Of course, many of them don’t offer merit, but it will give you some idea of if you may get some need aid. People are sometimes surprised at how generous these schools can be. Try Bowdoin or Williams and see how that looks.
If you do not qualify for any need aid, getting to that budget with only merit will be difficult and may require some compromises, such as looking outside the Northeast. With your D’s stats, she would have a reasonable shot at some competitive named scholarships… still a reach, but worth a shot if she is willing to do the extra essays. For highest “tuition discounts”, look for schools where your daughter’s stats are in the top 25% so they will offer more merit to entice her to attend.
- The PA LACs are known for good merit… Dickinson, Bucknell, Gettysburg, Franklin & Marshall (just started offering merit in 2023), Susquehanna, Ursinus
- Trinity
- Conn College
Check out the Colleges the Change Lives for other ideas.
Lastly, I found this thread from a few years ago. It may be worth a read for more ideas.