<p>Keep in mind that if either of your sibs graduate before you, your need-based aid will likely be reduced. Have you run the NPCs with 2 in college and with one, to see what you can expect? I suppose you could take on an RA position to make up the shortfall, or work extra hours summers and other breaks, but it would be good to know in advance to plan for it. </p>
<p>Since you’ve done a lot of research, you may already know this, but it’s worth mentioning, just in case not- If you receive both merit and need-based aid, the merit takes the place of need-based, most often first taking the place of expected student loans and work-study, but then replacing grant aid. Erasing the loan and work-study requirements is useful, but many people are unpleasantly surprised to find their grant aid is reduced by merit. Various merit awards may or may not stack, but merit and need-based generally do not stack.</p>
<p>UAB has undergrad public health and is ranked well. You qualify for $15,000/yr automatic merit award there. Your annual cost would be about $12,000. If this is not a school you see yourself attending, you should find at least one school to apply to that is guaranteed affordable. Perhaps UMass-Amherst? Some of your other choices may turn out well, and I hope they do, but you need to have one that is certain.</p>