<p>I know, Zoosermom. I have one coming up (rising jr) who unless he changes a whole lot will most likely benefit from a small liberal arts school that is truly a home. Not many commuter, mainly on campus housing, lots to do on campus, no grad students teaching, small classes where you get to know the profs well, and they you. Where the kids get to know each other well, and tend to come from similar backgrounds with just enough variety to add a little spice. It would be a 4 year cocoon for him, and then he may mature enough to be able to handle something less personal, more diverse, and less friendly. The problem we have is money too. The $45K+ that many such schools cost is a real problem. Because his stats are not stellar, the schools where he is likely to get in, are not 100% guaranteed financial aid even if we qualified for full aid, he has not special hooks, and is not likely to qualify for any merit awards. The schools I have in mind and like for him are real reaches in terms of acceptance, and reaches for us in paying for them even if gets in. Then there is the pragmatic element of the fact that he has no idea what he wants to study or do, and is it really worth it to pay 3X state prices when what we hope college will do is just let him grow up some. Statistically, it is not likely that he will make a lot of money, and school loans are going to cause a financial struggle for him once he gets out. Of course , things could all work out, but the way it looks now, it isn't a good move to sink the moneyinto his college. He does not have any LDs or issues that make a nurturing college a necessity. It just would be so nice. Sigh.</p>