<p>To OP: the need-only schools are generally going to require you to pay at least your FAFSA EFC. There are a few exceptions, but generally you can assume that to be the bottom line.</p>
<p>Since you say you can’t pay your FAFSA EFC, that means that your d. either has to find a school that costs less (in state public, perhaps) – or your d. needs to find merit money.</p>
<p>As a general rule of thumb, the farther you venture away geographically, the higher the merit money will be. Obviously there are many exceptions, but colleges like geographic diversity in their student bodies – so if you want money for your daughter’s college, you might start by drawing a circle 1000 miles wide around where you live, and then looking at schools outside that circle. </p>
<p>The cost of travel is cheap compared to the cost of college tuition. And you do NOT have to visit colleges before applying – your d. can cast a wide net, rely on other resources to get a sense of various colleges, and make her final selection down the line you’ve shaved down the list to schools which are affordable.</p>