This aggregator, updated November 2024, is a quick way to check out the percentage of students without financial need that receive merit aid and the average amount: Merit Aid by Institution – College Transitions. Of course, the best source to verify these figures is from section H2a in the college’s Common Data Set.
Does your family qualify for any need-based aid? I would run the Net Price Calculator at Grinnell or Carleton to get an idea. If the NPCs are not coming back as affordable, then I would eliminate the schools that don’t offer any merit aid.
You’ve gotten some great suggestions already, but here are a few more options that I think would stand a good chance of falling within budget:
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Agnes Scott (GA): About 900 undergrads at this women’s college in Atlanta which is in one of the most walkable parts of the metro area. It’s also part of the consortium that allows students to take classes at other area schools like Emory, Spelman, and Georgia Tech. 16m from the GA State Capitol. Agnes Scott College – Colleges That Change Lives
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Allegheny (PA ): About 1200 undergrads; Allegheny College – Colleges That Change Lives
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Randolph-Macon (VA): About 1500 undergrads; located about 25m from VA State Capitol
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Saint Anselm (NH): About 2100 undergrads at this school 29m from the NH State House. Like Drake in IA, there are lots of presidential candidates who come through and set up campaign infrastructures.
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Siena (NY): About 3500 undergrads; located about 11m from the NY State Capitol (and not far from Union, to pair up a visit)
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St. Mary’s College of Maryland: About 1600 undergrads at Maryland’s public liberal arts college (no religious affiliation).
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SUNY Geneseo (NY): About 3900 undergrads at NY’s premier public liberal arts college.