<p>Well, you are a step ahead of many of your peers in terms of maturity. Remember that if you do end up at Rutgers, there will be lots of other students from other schools who are similarly realistic and sensible (in addition to smart). I do like MYOS’s list of LACs that offer merit–many of them are very good schools that can take you wherever you want to go. If we knew more about what your parameters are (besides $) we might be able to give you more advice. Good luck!</p>