<p>CTCL is a great resource! Helped us a lot with S#1. Kid got merit awards from 2 colleges, and he was not a strong candidate, to put it politely. Let's just say, we were totally shocked. </p>
<p>Just dropped off son #2 who is an excellent student. The most cost effective school that he was admitted to was James Madison in Harrisonburg VA. It is a state school but only costs $23k all-in for out of state students. (Maybe a bit more with current increases- edit : just checked, $24.5). Gave it some serious thought, but kid wanted to go to Boston.</p>
<p>I am going to buck the trend and suggest publics. SUNY New Paltz and The College of New Jersey are favorites for kids with those stats looking for a LAC feel. If you are not in NYS COA is still less than $20K; not sure about NJ.</p>
<p>Drew offers merit money. Kids I know got offered in the $12K range; might still be too expensive.</p>
<p>Hofsta tuition is 24K and they offer merit money. This was the first year OOS atendees topped 50%.</p>
<p>Fairleigh Dickinson is almost literally across the street from Drew, and I know students who were awarded from $8K to $20K a year there in merit awards.</p>
<p>LOL. "If you are reading Pope...." At first I wondered, "What does Alexander Pope have to do with this?" When I re-read your daughter's interests I thought of SUNY Purchase. It has strong journalism, and the liberal arts portion is less selective than the fine arts majors.</p>
<p>How about The College of New Jersey? Excellent academics, beautiful campus & out of state tuition & room & board of ~ $27,000. My daughter is a rising senior there & has had a wonderful experience.</p>