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

Rather than look at it in terms of merit or financial aid, compare bottom line prices after the aid. I really don’t fell like googling all the schools you’ve listed to do that. The other thing to consider is your FA will only go down if your family income increases. Overall I don’t think that’s unfair.