Suggestions for Private Colleges with Friendly and Intellectual Student Body?

<p>I’ve been hearing a lot of mixed information from others: College Counselors, Teachers, People here on CC, and Review Sites based on how likely I will be able to get into certain schools on my “list”. My stats are not Ivy per se, but they’re a few notches below and I would really like to attend a school where I feel like I am receiving a good education while being part of a fun, lively & loving community.
Stats:
3.74 UW 3.87 W (for 10th and 11th grade, upward trend)
2050 SAT (Superscored) CR 680 M 660 W 710
100 Hours of Community Service
75 Hour Internship with Arts Council
25 Hour Internship with Production Company
4 year participation in Political Science Program
2 Photography Classes at Community College
2 Photography Awards
Freelance Photographer (Work Experience)</p>

<p>Can I get some recommendations for some schools that people are honestly proud to be students of, a place I can put into the category of Safety/Tier…and if possible, ones that give good financial aid? (Yes, I know I have listed many specifications :P)</p>

<p>The school doesn’t have to be the most well-known or expensive, as long as there is some sense of people feeling satisfied with their school and what it offers them.</p>