The answer is that it is possible to get merit aid to lower the costs of some private schools to $25k or less. You really need to do your research. There is a lot of info online for each school and the percentage of merit aid, as well as the stats for their admitted freshman. You need to be realistic and apply to places where you have a good shot at merit aid. My son applied to a school in Chicago and received a half tuition scholarship with his acceptance letter. The cost would now be about $23k a year. It all depends on your grades, the competitiveness of the schools and what they offer. Good luck!!