<p>Sugarski- have your D retake her SAT or try ACT. As others have said there are many good merit options for kids with stats like your D’s or a little higher. Cast a wide net for schools she is interested in and see what pans out.</p>
<p>That said, NJ does have great instate public options but in comparison to other states’ publics they are really expensive and getting more so.
We are in NJ and know kids that have done the NJSTARS route; it can work.
Our son started at TCNJ and finished at Rutgers for undergrad. He has about 18K in stafford loans and we took a small NJCLASS loan in our name.
He returned home for one year after grad program then moved in with roommates.
Gainfully employed and loving life. His Stafford loans are not a burden. We discouraged him from options that would have meant larger debt.</p>
<p>Good luck in your search, it WILL work out.</p>