<p>I would like to suggest that if you are looking for a good eduction, out of state, away from home esperience, do not focus on prestige places, rather look to the “lowly” private FAFSA only schools who may offer merit aid. i do not know the ones in your area but read the threads in the financial aid forum which are “stuck” to the top. In the west schools like Baylor & Whitworth will not look at your parents home equity in financial aid and will also offer you $10-12k annually against a $30-35k COA, making them just as reasonable as most publics.</p>
<p>With high home equity we had some profile schools wants $20k more than FAFSA schools, but we still have not bought and paid off a pricey home, we bought 25 years ago and have moved, but always a lateral move in terms of price, so we could not afford to tap the equity and still stay in the house.</p>