Reed is an oustanding school and well recognized. U of Chicago is an accurate comparison.
They do not offer merit aid, to anyone. They are incredibly generous with financial aid. If she hasn’t received any aid then they believe you can be full pay which will run you 68k ish.
The question is not just about Reed and whether it is worth it. If Reed thinks you are full pay, so will Ivies. What makes any school worth debt? And how much? Will your student take her own loans as she is able, to go to the school of her choice?
I agree, 20-30k over 4 years? Not a big deal if you have stable employment and income and aren’t planning to retire before it could be paid off.
Borrowing $250- 280k? Shortchanging your own retirement? Different story entirely. Bad idea, for anyone.
But Reed versus Brown at equal costs? I’d call them even personally.