Typically, the same kinds of schools are not equally generous with need-based aid and merit awards.
- Colleges that claim to meet full “demonstrated” need tend to be private and highly selective. Examples: the 8 Ivy League colleges (and about 50 others).
- Colleges that award large merit scholarships (up to full tuition or full ride) comprise a mix of public and private, but often are public universities located in places that (rightly or wrongly) may not be considered very attractive to many out-of-state students (hence, they need to use merit awards to increase their appeal). Example: the University of Alabama.
- Colleges that award “competitive” merit scholarships (which often top out at $25K/year or so) tend to be private colleges that are selective, but not as selective as the Ivies. Example: Case Western Reserve University; many Liberal Arts Colleges outside the USNWR top 20 or so.
You may want to develop a strategy to focus on 1 of these types, or a mix of 2, or even all 3. A 3.5UW GPA probably won’t get you into the Ivies, but your stats should qualify for admission to some of the other so-called “full need” schools. Important: run the online net price calculators on any of them that interest you, then discuss with your family whether you can manage the Expected Family Contributions.
To identify schools in category #2, the Kiplinger “Best Value” college tables may help.
As for category #3, there have been many CC threads on this subject.
Don’t overlook in-state public schools. For many families, they represent a good balance of quality and affordability.