Without knowing your child’s SAT or ACT scores, and GPA, answering this question is a shot in the dark.
You mention you have full custody of your children…but where is the mom, and does she have income? Many generous schools that meet full need require the CSS Profile, and the non-custodial parent form. They will determine your family contribution using both parents financials.
I agree that you are fortunate to be in a state with excellent options instate. I’m hoping @katwkittens will reply to this thread. She actually relocated to NC because of the excellent college options for her kids. And they have done very well.
I am hoping you will consider instate options. UNC-CH meets full need for all accepted students.
Could you explain better what you mean by “quality of school”. There are plenty of wonderful colleges that are not in the top 100 where your kids can get an excellent education…but really, I’d start with UNC-CH and NC State…both terrific schools.
Remember, those Profile schools will use the info on the Profile to determine awarding of their need based aid…and the Profile delves much more in detail about your finances. For example…you mention that you have some real estate assets in addition to your primary residence. It’s very possible that these are being excluded on the FAFSA because you qualify for an auto $0 EFC or simplified needs test whereby your assets are not reported at all.
There is NO auto $0 or simplified needs test for Profile schools.
Once your student has their end of year GPA and their SAT or ACT scores, it will be much easier to make realistic suggestions to you.