Should I Apply to Schools I can't Afford?

[merc81]

When evaluated by peers, “research universities” (definition?) appear interspersed with exclusively undergraduate-focused schools in results from this survey that considered institutions of all types with respect to those that offer notable research opportunities:

At many schools, students receive the opportunity to do intensive and self-directed research or creative work that results in an original scholarly paper or other product that can be formally presented on or off campus. They may work independently or in small teams and are typically mentored by a faculty member. In spring 2018, we invited college presidents, chief academic officers, deans of students and deans of admissions from more than 1,500 schools to nominate up to 15 institutions with stellar examples of undergraduate research/creative projects.

https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/undergrad-research-programs