<p>The Claremont schools tend to give very good financial aid–I know that CMC and Pomona guarantee to meet full need. However, Pomona gives zero merit and CMC very little and only to the very top picks. Some of the others might have some hefty scholarships. My friend sent two daughter to Pritzer on very nice scholarships–they did not qualify for financial aid, so merit was the only way they were going to get any money for college. </p>
<p>What’s important is how much the schools are going to expect your family to pay, both in an off year and when your parents are up to speed in earnings. Be aware that you can get a nice aid package when your parents are unemployed and just not making the money, but when they start earning more income, the schools are going to want a big hunk fo that. You have to apply for fin aid each year, and you get the same/similar aid package only if the financial situation is the same. The package is not guaranteed for 4 years.</p>