<p>Admittedly - thanks for the response, but I don’t really agree with it… CMU comp sci is among the most competitive programs in the US, on par with MIT Stanford and likes. Their engineering school is also really competitive. Since I was asking for low match-safety schools, CMU definitely doesn’t qualify as such. But I am applying there as a reach, because as you said, it has an amazing engineering program. Also, how do you know that it’ll be free? I know they cover needs for ED applicants, but I decided to apply there as regular, so I probably won’t get the best financial aid.</p>
<p>I’m not sure why you assume that need-based aid only applies to ED applications. If you’re accepted, it would apply to any admission.</p>
<p>I don’t agree with the poster above about U. Maryland. They are VERY stingy about OOS merit aid offers, and as noted, you must apply before Nov. 1 to be considered. Their need-based aid for OOS is not much either. </p>
<p>What about Lehigh, RIT, WPI, RPI?</p>
<p>You could also check the engineering forum. Great stats, BTW. Good luck with your decision. You should have lots of good offers.</p>
<p>Specifically for CMU, they only will meet 100% of need if you apply ED, so you are correct in thinking finaid might not be enough there. They left about 10K gap between COA and EFC for my dd last yr.</p>