We haven't saved nearly enough.
Neither had we.
We don't regret our decision to take out loans and we (the kids and us) will be paying for years.
But as our country falls apart I believe our children will be a depository for those principles we hold dear. Frankly, they know and understand more than I did at their age. Actually, they know more now than I do! They both took the only Constitution class required in a college (except for the military colleges), know The Federalist and anti-federalist papers. They studied western civilization from primary sources. They both studied with Victor Davis Hansen (more than once) and Dr. Folsum (you may have seen him on Glenn Beck). I've met their teachers -- many of them are very accomplished and well-known in their field of study -- they love what they're doing and are truly interested in their students and could teach any where. Of course, many would fall into the conservative label but my daughter's music teacher (of course
) wasn't, others are more libertarian and a few are liberal leaning.
They recite the Pledge of Allegiance before events and before every parent dinner I've been to they said grace. At graduation, convocation, etc there's a prayer and the Pledge.
Getting a good ACT score is very important not only for getting in but for receiving scholarships. Know that if for the freshman year you don't get the financial aid package you'd hope for the student can always meet and ask for more assistance for following semesters. When my very involved on campus daughter needed a bump in help she was told she'd get additional help-- "You've invested in the college and we'll invest in you."
YMMV I hope I haven't oversold it but have encouraged you to investigate how to make it work if they're at all interested.
They don't called themselves a conservative college. They stress they are an independent, liberal arts school. Their theme is "Educating for Liberty"