Nancy, still unpacking from our move....and just discovered this thread. You've gotten good advice. We went through this process this past year.....
Visiting the schools is very important....Financial assistance? All D3 schools interested in son had pre-determined amounts based on SAT and GPA.....this info was published in their handbooks. That said....there is room for additional monies at some schools.....it just depends on the relationship the athletic department has with the financial aid office...it varies from school to school.....you will know the timing to bring up this subject.....we found as more and more schools became interested in son....we felt more in controll.....and more comfortable talking money with the coaches.....it was still stressful at the end.....you go from worrying that he will play college ball....to stressed out about choices.....a poster sent us the following PM....I copied it.....and hung it on son's door....he had to look at it coming and going.....and he said it helped him greatly with his final decision:
"The Priority of seeking colleges
a) Meets son's academic requirements
b) Meets son's athletic requirements
c) Meets son's playing time expectations
d) Meets son's social necessities
e) Does the Coaching staff care?"
Good luck.....