It all depends…what major, which colleges, your long-term professional plans, your family’s overall financial situation. A few thoughts/suggestions…(1) When applying to colleges, balance the list, including adding a few top programs/colleges; (2) Many top colleges have strong need-based aid programs; (3) After getting decisions back, evaluate and decide based on your goals. Bottomline, I would look at college education the same way I would look at any other investment…in general, taking calculated risks is essential to one’s success.