<p>You can look at the numbers for financial and merit aid that USNEWS reports but they are aggregate figures that will not necessarily apply to you. There is nothing wrong with putting a school like Villanova on your list and hope that things pan out, but I suggest that you add some schools like Providence, St Michaels, and others where your stats may rank higher and merit aid is more likely along with schools with lower sticker prices and schools that meet full need. You need a nice variety of schools if you need money. Nothing wrong with having a school or two on your list that are long shots on admissions or aid, but you need safeties as well. </p>
<p>I know a number of kids who got their best aid packages from NYU which has a rep of gapping. I also know even more kids who were gapped. So it can be a real crap shoot.</p>