<p>And there may be schools where the COA sticker price is discounted because the school doesn’t offer much or any merit or need-based aid. Paying list price of $40k versus getting $20k subtracted from a list of $60k, but ruling out the cheap school because there’s no merit aid makes no sense.</p>
<p>Set a budget, come up with an initial list, then ask on various forums here on CC for suggestions for any additional possibilities.</p>