For the Ivys (no merit) and the top-level D3s (most no merit) consider the financial aid packages. These schools have HUGE endowments and many people who would otherwise not be eligible for FA can receive very nice deals. My daughter was recruited Ivy and went to top NESCAC. Her aid package is about 90% off sticker price and we would not have received any aid if she attended an in-state school. The top level NESCACs support their kids like no other and are truly amazing places playing at a high level, securing an amazing education, and making tremendous contacts. Not to mention their matriculation rates to graduate schools and professional schools is WAY higher than just about anywhere else. Good luck.
This is exactly right. The Ivys, Hopkins(Thanks to Bloomberg), NESCAC all have crazy endowments and offer amazing financial aid grants. We got almost 80% in grant money from Hopkins and our household income is over 250K. The hard part is getting into these schools which lacrosse can do for your child. Once you're in the money is the easy part. College is costing less than High School.
