We visited Vandy, too, and I had the impression that we shouldn’t worry too much about the $$$. !!! (yes we still worry about the $62K/year price tag).
Let me ask you this: If your parents could afford to give you the cash difference between a Vandy education (full-pay), and a state flag-ship school where you got a full tuition scholarship, would you take the cash or the Vandy experience?
Even $40K per year is a great deal of money.
I completely understand why you love Vandy; it’s a beautiful campus in a beautiful place. Totally get that. But there is more than one way to get a great education.
I second the Tulane suggestion . . .
ETA: Vandy does have some merit scholarships so be sure to look at those. Have a feeling they are pretty competitive.