I’d echo some of the others who mentioned smaller LACs in the Midwest. Many of these colleges give merit aid to a wide variety of students, and really get to know students on a personal level instead of just quantifying them. Plus as someone else mentioned, they tend to cost less than colleges on either coast. I’m a current student at the College of Wooster and found their Admissions process to be friendly and also helpful with aid. Also being out of the region would probably be a plus.