Should I even bother applying?

I agree with @scotlandcalling, some people are painting too rosy of a picture. Don’t set yourself up for disappointment- make sure that you have some financially feasible options that you are willing to attend.

Howard and Spelman’s scholarships are competitive- the pool is wide and the pool is deep, don’t underestimate the number of high achieving AA students applying to HBCU (especially legacies).

Duke (AB Duke Scholar, Robertson Scholar, University Scholar and Regional Howard Scholar, all full pay), Vanderbilt (Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholar, Ingram Scholar and Chancellor’s Scholar, all full tuition at least), USC (Stamp Scholar and Trustee Scholar, both full tuition; Chancellor’s Scholar, half tuition), UNC (Robertson and Morehead-Cain Scholars, both full pay), Virginia (Jefferson Scholar, full pay), Rice (Trustee and Barbara Jordan Scholarships, $25K+), WUSTL (Stamps Scholarship, full tuition) - these are few in number and again, the pool is wide and the pool is deep.

Toss and application, because if you don’t, you have a 0 percent chance of getting one of these opportunities. But by no means put all of your eggs in this basket.

With the exception of your younger brother’s unreimbursed medical and school expenses, from a financial aid standpoint, schools are not going to provide you with need based aid so that your parents can subsidize relatives overseas or pay for houses (especially if it is not your primary residence). $300k in income and typical assets is not going to net you much if anything in need based aid (you state that they have unusual assets)

If your parents do not have typical assets, then the net price calculator may not be giving you an accurate assessment.