Too poor to afford Vanderbilt, but too wealthy for financial aid? Early Decision??

Thanks everyone for the advice…its just frustrating that I may not have the opportunity to attend a school that I have the credentials to get into and would LOVE to attend because I can’t afford it (although it doesn’t look that way on paper). I can get into (and probably get additional merit aid) to a very well known and reputable public university, but it isn’t where I want to go. I guess I have some more thinking to do…