<p>Top 10 students in most cases should be looking at selective privates that give generous need-based or merit financial aid. I come from low-middle income (60,000) and I received need-based aid at 3 schools (Vassar, Wesleyan, and Uchicago,) which don’t even give the best aid, that made them a bit cheaper than UC Davis which gave me grants, loans, and some merit aid (not Regents).</p>