Rising Junior from Georgia - Unsure of His Chances [4.0 GPA, environmental science, geophysics]

He expressed interest in less-reachy OOS options. He already has UMich on his list, which would be significantly more costly than any of the ones I pointed out. Just running some examples up the proverbial flagpole, of OOS flagships with potential.

The budget rebuttal applies equally to the elite privates, depending on eligibility for need-based aid.

Certainly OP should discuss budget with his parents, and understand that outside scholarships (and music scholarships for nonmajors) aren’t likely to make a significant dent in college costs.