I’ll recommend another not-in-NE school from Florida: New College of Florida; it is a small LAC in Sarasota by the bay. Beautiful campus, very intellectual environment.
Post #18 is correct. There are a number of suggestions for schools that the COA, even if there are some merit awards will be way out of line for OP’s budget. The average GPA’s for a number also make them reach school.
University of Rhode Island. Defined campus. Excellent enviro sciences. Marine bio and oceanography are strengths. But with a sting nursing school and Uber excellent pharmacy school (endowed by CVS Ceo grad Tom Ryan) bio science classes are excellent.
Solid on campus sports with A-10 teams and occasional march madness hoops teams but not over the top.
Lots of kids live by the beach. There is Greek life but not dominant. Not urban but close to everything. State flagship but not huge. One of the best economic values and definitely a solid match for him academically
I believe Warren Wilson (just outside of Asheville NC in a beautiful mountain setting) is a work college in which students have campus jobs in exchange for tuition grants and all students get financial aid (but don’t know how much of COA is covered). The school has a strong environmental focus. Might be worth checking out.
Budget is going to be really tough. Are you in-state for SUNYs OP? Are you Pell-eligible?
Based on our recent experience - St. Lawrence might be a possibility, as it is a custodial parent only school for financial aid. Hobart William Smith is not. But it may also be a reach.
I really don’t know much about it, but University of Scranton seems to be giving some really generous financial aid packages. One of my son’s friends was offered a full ride. Other schools where students we know have received excellent merit-based financial aid packages - Niagara University and University of Bridgeport.
I like the idea of looking at the small Catholic colleges, local schools, and FAFSA only private schools where your S is academically ranked in the top percentages of accepted students.
The one thing that you can control right now that will help tremendously is the test scores. I think anyone can get a near perfect ACT or SAT. This score goes a long way. Also, it is a mistake to get a prep tutor because it just limits the quantity of information you can get at one time. If you want any advice I have a bunch because I studied 4 the ACT in 4 weeks because my family did not know I needed to take it before my senior year.
I can second suggesting looking at Warren Wilson. My S19 was accepted and we visited this spring. Gorgeous campus. They have a great biking team! He received so many scholarships from the school that we’d only pay room and board. It was hard to turn that down , but it was too small for comfort coming from a really large high school. He chose St Lawrence. It’s pricey though, even with generous merit and FA. Like your child he’s interested in the environment and would like to teach.
Thank you all so much for sharing your thoughts, it’s incredibly helpful! As some people suggested, we might have to expand our geographic range and venture out of New England.
@kp2023 - would love to get your advice on the test prep!