Net Price Calculators won’t show highly competitive merit aid like Stamps, so keeping an eye on that possibility, a student might want to apply even if the npc shows it is unaffordable if the Stamps award or something similar would make it financially feasible assuming the student would be a competitive applicant for that merit aid.
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For publics in particular, often special program fees aren’t included on npc.
" Engineering Special Fee
The College of Engineering, which includes the Knowlton School, received approval to create a new “Engineering Special Fee” of $4,000. This replaced the existing program fee, which has not increased in nearly a decade, during in 2022 – 2023 academic year. The new fee will remain the same for all four years a student is enrolled as part of the Ohio State Tuition Guarantee."
And some (like MI/PennState) charge more tuition for Jr/Sr standing. So if you are figuring budget look into those details, too.
https://tuition.psu.edu/tuitiondynamic/tabledrivenrates.aspx?location=up#up-NonPA
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@AeroEngHopefullDad, I agree that you may eliminate safeties. My oldest had only safety UMD in state (She is in GaTech, but different major and legacy. ) There is no way UMD will deny your son EA. UMD loves smart instate students. I would think some scholarship goes your way from UMD (not necessarily Benaker, but it does not matter.) VaTech or PenState will not be necessary.
So explore reaches (that you can afford) and enjoy your life 
. There is no reason in your situation to apply to many schools. UMD is great for Aerospace. If GaTech will take your son, you will have to think about paying 50+ k a year (probably not worth it for Aerospace. ) Most other Aerospace will be lower rank / not worth money or will be out of price range.
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The only reason to eliminate these is if you know, with all absolute certainty, that you’d choose UMD over them.
I don’t buy into the concept at all that reached are better. What’s better is what you say is better. That could easily be a school like Utah for example that admits 95% of its applicants.
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@NiVo just helping out here. What a family sets as their cost does not necessarily align with what they could actually pay per the college calculations for need based aid.
Some families can actually afford to be full pay but set a hard line on the $50,000 per year amount, and won’t pay more.
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Adding…”Need blind” is an admissions term and has absolutely nothing at all to do with financial aid offered. Need blind means that the financial need of the student is NOT considered when their application for admission is reviewed.
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I really appreciate all this information.
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Just wanted to thank everyone for their insights and opinions. I think for my son, its going to be hard to beat what University of Maryland has to offer - from an AE program perspective, cost, and proximity (to home and other perks (NASA Goddard/APL, etc.). And honestly, that’s where he’s leaning. He’ll definitely apply there before 11/1.
He’ll have a few backups too - I appreciate the insight on The Ohio State University - with the scholarship potential, that’s on our list now too. We weren’t considering it until we received the feedback in this thread. We loved our visit to Purdue - that will remain on the list as well.
Thanks again - this is a great site. Exciting times!
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