<p>OK…this might sound like a stupid question…but What does your SON want to do about college? Is HE interested in rural/urban/suburban school, small vs. large, public vs. private? Has he expressed interested in a gap year or some similar “transition” year? I agree with Northstarmom…he needs to take the initiative with this college search. I will tell you that your $20,000 will only pay 1/2 of the cost of the private schools you are talking about. My guess is that most will not give him $20,000 plus in additional finaid. There are students with more consistent and better high school performances who don’t receive $20,000 a year in financial aid at these “quality schools”. And included in their aid would be things like Stafford loans for the student. I will say that there are some fine quality educations provided at schools that are not high on the radar screen or the “rankings”…but that is another thread!!</p>