Settling for a school you like but don't love

Don’t allow your chidren to apply to schools you know you can’t afford. Having to sell off assets you planned to use to fund your retirement and/or working until you die are not reasonable college funding strategies.

Find colleges that are similar to those your daughter likes and have her apply there. Start with some that give guaranteed funding for her stats. There’s a thread pinned to the top of the financial aid forum to get you started.