Fixed merit aid (Oberlin, Mt Holyoke) v. fluctuating need-based some merit(Smith, St.Olaf, L&C)

Do you have that $6K/year? Or would that have to be in loans? If you’ve got the money, I kind of agree with your dh that it’s not that much money on which to hang the decision, if one of the slightly more expansive schools is a significantly better fit or better in her desired major or closer to home so you might save in travel costs.