<p>I think once you and your son start researching you’ll find that there are many small liberal arts colleges and medium sized private universities that will fulfill your son’s criteria.</p>
<p>The key point for your family at this point is to clarify your finances. Many of the most selective privates offer excellent need based aid, but no merit, period. First run your figures on a few net price calculators to determine how much need based aid you may be eligible for. If that works for you, then your son can put together a wide list.</p>
<p>If on the other hand you require merit based aid, his list will be quite different. Some excellent schools offer merit aid, but they are harder to find. Many of the colleges recommended on this thread are need only, period. So before your son investigates east coast LACs and medium privates, be clear on your position. Would merit aid be a welcome bonus, or do you absolutely need it?</p>
<p>PS, I’m a Michigan alum and my son went to Williams. I received a wonderful education at Michigan, but my son’s overall experience both socially and academically was phenomenal. If the finances work for you, Williams would be a great choice – as would Amherst, Davidson, Bowdoin, Hamilton, Kenyon, Pomona, Carleton.</p>
<p>Merit aid varies from year to year, but Grinnell is one name that consistently offers both excellent academics and very good merit aid.</p>