Here is another useful tool for finding "high value" private universities and SLACs. These are schools that are either the most generous with financial aid or the most generous with merit aid, or both.

http://www.kiplinger.com/tool/college/T014-S001-kiplinger-s-best-values-in-private-colleges/index.php

You can sort these lists by a number of variables, including the average amount of non-need aid awarded. This shows that Duke has the highest average non-need award amount ($55,000) and the percentage of non-need students who get merit awards (7%). The average merit award at Vanderbilt is $25,000; 18% of students without need get merit awards.

20:24 That's me! Good luck. (Me, happy with outcome. DC got into top choice school ED.)

OP, I have to say going through the dc private admissions game for grade school, middle, and high school, I am remarkably relaxed about college. DD is a junior and wants to get a BFA and move into a creative discipline. Her grades are excellent but she beats to her own drummer.. She isn't targeting any top 50 school but rather school with strong BFA programs ( some relative no names). I feel she will end up where she needs to be. It all worked out in the end with private admissions. Just keep her on track with deadlines for apps so it doesn't all culminate in one big rush and try to remember this is her journey.. Not yours. It will all work out ( although I am in the same boat as you and I know it's very hard to keep your cool!)

Thanks also!

9.09 poster again. I wanted to thank the 12.17 poster for the info.
As for the 12.41 poster all I can say is WOW! Your child is lucky to have such a well-informed and proactive parent. Thank you for synthesizing and sharing so much great information.