Room and board at UMW adds another 11K, so this may be financial stretch.
Roanoke College, Salem, VA. Great merit aid.
McDaniel? Just thought of that one.
Is she interested in being near a ski mountain? We chased merit five years ago but my D’s stats were a bit higher so not sure how you’ll fare at the same schools. Most generous match schools were Mt. Holyoke and University of Scranton. Most generous safety schools were Clark U, Simmons, St. Michaels, and Providence College. St. Michaels and University of Scranton are near ski mountains. I would also look at UVM, Assumption, and Wheaton.
Several strategies may be available to reach your target price (or close to it):
(1) aim for colleges with the most generous need-based aid (which tend to be very selective)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Need-blind_admission
(2) aim for colleges that offer adequate merit scholarships for your qualifications
http://competitivefulltuition.yolasite.com/
(3) aim for colleges with relatively low sticker prices (such as in-state public institutions)
You can use online net price calculators to estimate need based aid. As family incomes approach $200K or so, this tends to approach zero at even the most selective/well-endowed colleges.
You can use the Kiplinger tables to identify average merit scholarship amounts at many schools.
https://www.kiplinger.com/tool/college/T014-S001-kiplinger-s-best-values-in-private-colleges/index.php?table=lib_arts
Note that at many LACs, merit awards seem to top off at about $20K-$25K, which may not be enough for the target price you’re trying to hit.
IMO, the best balance of quality, net price, and personal fit may be at an in-state school such as St. Mary’s College of Maryland.
You mentioned the possibility of a Honors College at a larger public university. Though it’s further away, for that option the University of Utah (https://honors.utah.edu) could be a good choice. The cost is attractive (~$20K for tuition, room and board with in-state tuition, which is available to all after the first year, and strong students often get at least an OOS tuition waiver for the first year). And the skiing is unmatched.
Thank you all for your thoughts, ideas, an suggestions!
We visited and liked St. Mary’s of MD. Going to visit McDaniel (she is already planning to apply, We hear they have a rep of ending up close U of MD cost).
Older daughter has always been interested in Roanoke (since jr in high school). She is going to comm college now and is looking into transferring to Roanoke. I really liked it too. But my 2 girls have NO interest in going to the same school! So current senior not even considering. too bad, would make my life easier…
Lycoming College in PA – Just north of Susquehanna. Great little city location. Tons of merit $ for high stats. A hidden gem.