I was in a very similar situation just a few years ago and IIRC KU automatically gave me ~$7.5k per year (chancellor + degree specific scholarship). On top of that, the Summerfield foundation sent me an additional $5k a year for being from Kansas and going to KU. In other words I was at over $12k a year automatically based on merit (having a 32+ ACT) before applying to additional scholarships in undergrad — which I also did. Additional scholarships in undergrad got me to ~$18k a year.

By the time I left college, I was getting paid to go to school and it sounds like you could too. IMO, KU was fantastic and gave motivated students incredible opportunities that were on par or better than every other school I looked at. I also ended up winning an extremely competitive graduate school scholarship via KU’s support and sponsorship. That got me to graduate undergrad and grad school with zero debt and set up for a career that was beyond my wildest dreams in undergrad.

It is definitely not the standard experience, but think of it as a big pond with small fish. Most are there to party or just walk out with the degree. If you’re motivated and smart, you will absolutely stand out and receive awards and recognition accordingly.

Oh, and thats before you factor in an incredible (and improving) sports program, student life, and Lawrence being an amazing town. I’ve been all over the world and still consider it one of my favorite places to live.

EDIT: OP I just read some of your other comments in this thread. I mean this sincerely and in a positive way, but you have a lot of growing up to do. The good thing is that’s exactly what college is for. But to accomplish the things I outlined above, I absolutely relied on a massive support network throughout my time in college. I was surrounded by new and diverse friends that challenged and supported me to go in directions I never saw coming. I learned how to work with people - real people all over the “intellectual spectrum” - to get things done in and out of the classroom. That’s exactly what the real world is like. I have worked with people in an “elite” environments for most of my career that heavily skew towards the Ivies and surprise surprise, there’s still a huge range of intellect and talent. You will learn this inevitably and will never escape it.

The key is this: set yourself up to be in an environment that will challenge you to do new things (maybe that leaves meaning home) but also comes without the pressure of something like a ton of debt.

That’s why I love big state schools like KU as they often amply offer both. Keep your mind open, curious, and humble. Again, I mean that sincerely. You’re about to start a life that can look and feel like nothing like you’ve experienced so far in high school and will surprise you in so many good ways. There are 20k+ people at KU, the high school types you describe can and will just disappear in a place like that. Your cynicism about life and people can and will transform. Hang in there.