<p>Some very expensive privates are not expensive at all for the specific student because of Merit awards. Somehow (I do not know how), some UGs, both private and public have much mroe funds available for scholaships than other schools. that was very apparent when my D. applied. But I did ton of research and the mot important one was actually word of mouth. I have checked with parents of kids who applied in a last couple years, who I knew had simialr stats to my D’s and who applied in the same area. If you start checking around, you will be greatly surpized because there is no rhyme or reason for such great difference in Merit awards that specific kid could get at the same type of schools. The only explanantion is that some simply have more funds for the scholarships. So, when somebody is saying that the school is $35k / year, surprise it may be only $5k / year for your kid. These were exactly the numbers for my D. at one private, but it was no surprize since the school is known for awarding great Merits to the top kids. Nope, we would not pay $35k, not for the UG. The kid worked hard, she deserves to have it for free and have a loan free life after.</p>