> ask this when you talk to other colleges: Why won’t you tell me what you will charge, pre-application? Heck, do it in the group information session in front of 100 other people.

How can a college tell you what you'll pay before you even apply, if merit aid is in the mix? That would basically be admitting that the few data points you give their fin aid tool determine your "merit". They can't admit this, of course, because it would go against "holistic admissions" that most colleges hold dear.