<p>Hey everybody, I'm really interested in liberal arts colleges such as:</p>
<p>Bowdoin
Occidental
Middlebury
Pitzer
Macalester
Rhodes
Lawrence
Beloit
Lewis & Clark</p>
<p>in that order and was wondering what the aid situation for these schools is? I've got good grades, a rigorous course load, really good ECs, etc. I think I have a good shot at most of these schools, but my family is upper-middle class (don't know my EFC yet) and I was wondering which of these schools (and similar ones) have good merit aid since I doubt I'll be able to get much need-based. I'm interested in Environmental Studies, if that makes a difference. Thanks!</p>
<p>Grinnell: Excellent sciences, state-of-the-art facilities and a prairie environmental studies center, plus a huge endowment that translates into very generous financial merit aid for academically strong kids who don’t otherwise qualify for financial aid. The other aspect of that endowment is the smallest class sizes (intro classes as well) of any of the LACs you’ve listed, no distribution requirements, and amazing faculty mentoring.</p>
<p>Right, Grinnell and Oberlin are good choices.
These and most other midwestern LACs (other than Carleton) offer merit scholarships, so if you qualify they can be a bit more affordable than the northeastern LACs for full-pay families.</p>
<p>Middlebury is excellent for environmental sciences but is likely to be one of your more expensive options if you have the choice. It also has become extremely selective. </p>
<p>Other possibilities: Colorado College, Whitman, and Centre College (which is a few thousand dollars cheaper than many other LACs and especially generous with merit aid). St. Mary’s College of Maryland is a good public honors college with a beautiful campus that would be cheaper at full pay rates, even for OOS students, than the private LACs.</p>
<p>I also want to second St. Mary’s - not a catholic girl’s school, which is what it sounds like. Lovely campus right right on the Cheapeake and a top sailing program.</p>
<p>Thirding St. Mary’s. Beautiful campus. Named after St. Mary’s City, not religious at all. There is no Environmental Studies major, but there is a minor for it. Since you’re right on the Chesapeake, there are probably plenty of classes to take on that note. I hear there’s a big focus on marine biology.</p>
<p>Bowdoin gives no merit aid and it has it’s own formula for need-based aid. Bowdoin offered my son half the need-based aid that the other schools offered him. Since then, I have been told numerous times by other middle class folks that they have had the same experience. It’s a terrific school, but be prepared for a big bill.</p>
<p>Agree with bopambo. My son got good need-based aid from Brown, Carleton, Grinnell, and Whitman, and NO financial aid from Bowdoin and Middlebury. Some merit aid from Colorado College, Grinnell, and Whitman.</p>