My son is in the semi-finalist stage. What have you found to be the advantages of POSSE beyond the obviously wonderful free-tuition? Are there internships, jobs or other doors POSSE offers to their scholars and alumni? Is the worth of the program more than just the tuition and would it sway you from a different top college choice?
We spoke with several Posse alumni, and based on that, the answer should be: it varies. One guy told us that as happy as he was for the tuition-free aspect, he never really bonded with his Posse, and there isn’t much between them, even now, still in college. The opposite was a woman in her early 30s who said they still regularly celebrate each other’s important dates, help with job searches, recommend each other, etc.
But if you think 4 years of paid tuition is not a huge thing, I’d like to be in your financial situation 
And as for narrowing the choices, there are so many excellent colleges and universities on the list that it didn’t feel like narrowing, and as for our D’s 3 top Posse choices, they would be among her top 5-6 schools anyway.
Aside from the tuition, Posse provides a social safety net for students. The Posses are trained together and get to know each other pretty well, and support each other.
Aside from that, there will be a Posse mentor at the college who will take the students under his wing - dinners every week at their house, availability at all times for support and help.
There will also be anywhere from 30 to 110 other Posse scholars at the college, from fellow freshman from other Posse cities to Posses who are seniors, all who will provide support and advice. There are also many internship opportunities, retreats, workshops, and a network of Posse alumni and people who have engaged with Posse spread across the USA.
The same companies which have internships for Posse Scholars also hire them.
So Posse is not only a scholarship but a support system and a source for many additional opportunities as well. When the President of the USA donates part of his Nobel prize money to a scholarship fund, you know that it has cachet.