I’m in a similar boat. I suspect the answer is aiming a tier lower in school (to get a better deal) or going public in-state. I think private schools outside the top 50 or so will struggle.

My general inclination is at current prices everything other than in-state public schools are inappropriate for most people. The top 10-15 may be another story. Everything below would need to come with a crazy discount.

Interesting point in the article is despite all the worry they still came in 20 kids shy - that could have put them half a million over the tuition goal. Or allowed them to admit 20 more low income students.