<p>It sounds as though you would qualify for a lot of financial aid if your family’s income decreases. In reality, though, the “rest” would probably include loan and work-study components. For now, it’s fine to just look at schools with strong physics and math programs (and which meet full need and/or give out generous merit scholarships, whether safeties or not) and create a list. You could eliminate certain options once finances enter the picture. Maybe Carleton, Grinnell, Reed, Swarthmore, Williams? All these small LACs have distinguished physics programs.</p>
<p>Your state school is always a good place to start for a safety, especially for a science/engineering degree. </p>
<p>International95, I definitely agree about first creating a list, and then winnowing it down based on practical concerns. I initially didn’t include financial info for this exact reason. </p>
<p>I think those are all great schools, with top notch physics departments, and intend to apply to a few as reaches/matches 
And I agree, Lizardly, about state schools. I’m definitely planning on applying to Rutgers. </p>
<p>Check Rhodes College (<a href=“http://www.rhodes.edu/finaid/455.asp”>http://www.rhodes.edu/finaid/455.asp</a>). It seems that the physics fellowship can be added to any other aid/scholarships.</p>
<p>Wow, that’s awesome about an added fellowship! I will definitely add Rhodes to my list. </p>
<p>^^^^ Agreed.
Your state public schools are usually a good place to start researching for safeties.
Out of state schools and private safeties will largely be based on your affordability.</p>
<p>South Dakota School of Mines & Technology is right up your alley. The school generally has a very strong reputation, but the Physics Department is enjoying a real burst in energy, no pun intended. See the other thread about Physics for more of my suggestions. By the way, the Physics Department at SUNY Plattsburgh is very good also. They moved into a new science building a couple of years ago. SUNY Plattsburgh Physics Depart. also has a very cooperative relationship with the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. As you probably know, SUNY colleges are relatively cheap.</p>
<p>Thanks for the suggestions! I’ll definitely check out South Dakota School of Mines and SUNY Plattsburgh </p>
<p>Beside Lawrence, which should be a given considering your interests, check out TCNJ, Geneseo, RPI, Dickinson, Reed… I second SDSM :)</p>
<p>With an actual family contribution of $12,000 to $14,000, your realistic net price limit is probably around $17,000 to $19,000 (if you take a federal direct loan or have part time work in school) or $22,000 to $24,000 (if you take a federal direct loan and have part time work in school). Essentially, that is your target for the net price after subtracting grants and scholarships (not loans or work) from the list price.</p>
<p>Here are the big merit scholarship lists:
<a href=“http://automaticfulltuition.yolasite.com/”>http://automaticfulltuition.yolasite.com/</a> (automatic if you have high enough stats)
<a href=“Competitive Full Tuition / Full Ride Scholarships - #50 by BobWallace - Financial Aid and Scholarships - College Confidential Forums”>Competitive Full Tuition / Full Ride Scholarships - #50 by BobWallace - Financial Aid and Scholarships - College Confidential Forums; (competitive)
<a href=“http://nmfscholarships.yolasite.com/”>http://nmfscholarships.yolasite.com/</a> (National Merit, automatic and competitive)</p>