Merit Aid planning

Similar to the nytimes link posted above, here’s another one – a little smaller list and a little more recent:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/apps/g/page/local/college-grants-for-the-affluent/1526/

I guess this info comes from the schools’ CDS data, so theoretically it’d be possible to collect it oneself, and/or maybe get some more specific data.

This data are useful and informative, but they’re just general, aggregated info, they aren’t necessarily so helpful on a more individual level. If there is that kind of info, it would be great to have it!

BTW, I’m in Illinois, and my (older) son is at UIUC. I’d say, don’t be so quick to rule it out. Yes, many of the kids are from Illinois, but many are not. My son is having a great time – academically and socially. Several of his friends are not from Illinois. Financial aid is hard to come by, but the cost will already be significantly below your threshold. I’d strongly suggest including it on your list to have as an option.