<p>Have you tried the “net price calculator” or “financial aid estimator” on each school’s web site to get an idea of which schools will be affordable. (NYU in particular has a reputation of poor financial aid, so it should be viewed as a reach at best for any student needing substantial financial aid. Many public schools also give little aid to out of state students, though UVa and UNC supposedly to meet need for out of state students.)</p>
<p>Be sure that you have at least one safety which you will get into and you will be able to afford without excessive loans. Often, in-state state universities are the more obvious safeties, or low cost community college for two years followed by transfer as a junior to a four year university to complete a bachelor’s degree.</p>