<p>My DD has a generous merit award/scholarship—not need based, but the award has not increased since inception 2 years ago. It does go toward her tuition. The EFC (expected family contribution) will determine how much UD will expect you to pay.
It’s my understanding that a student will obligate for a study abroad program first and THEN can apply for a scholarship with no guarantee of an award. I’m not sure I understand your question of in-state tuition rates? If you are OOS then that is what you would pay for the credits for study abroad. My DD is a junior this fall and unfortunately for us, study abroad is cost prohibitive due to our financial situation.</p>
<p>Thanks, this helps. I did not know if the school issued an OOS tuition waiver, letting a student pay in state fees as a merit scholarship. (Not sure such a thing exists,)I would imagine that study abroad is cost prohibitive for many students as so many are OOS… but since so many OOS students attend- there must be many other alternatives. I am sure the merit scholarship is very helpful to OOS families as well.
Thanks</p>
<p>My daughter got a merit scholarship, also, and we have been saving for study abroad because it’s necessary in her primary major. However, winter session is absolutely not possible because of the cost, which is a shame, but we all have our limitations. She is hoping to do on campus research next summer with her advisor, so we’ll see how it goes.</p>
<p>Regarding winter session (which is also unaffordable for us) – it is possible to take UD online classes during winter and/or summer session (if you are not also enrolled during those sessions for “live” classes) and the rate is much lower than standard OOS. This can be done from home or, if your student lives at school year-round, in Newark. I don’t consider online ideal, but if your student needs to catch up on a class or two, and you don’t want or can’t spend the money for regular enrollment during the winter or summer, this is an option. Remember, winter session is optional and there are other things your student can do, other than spend money on classes or study abroad. My D picked up some great babysitting at home and earned, rather than spent, money. This coming year, she will be an RA and required to live on campus during winter session. She will still not be taking classes, however, unless they are of the online or continuing ed variety. I am hoping she can pick up some work or volunteer work during those five weeks, when she will have very few RA responsibilities.</p>
<p>Thanks, yes, the winter session is a consideration as well for OOS students… then it must be nice to have them home for a longer break in the winter and yes, they are able to work at home. With summer research, do you have to pay for the credits they earn?</p>
<p>Any research my d did during the summer months was paid. She did not earn any credits, tons of experience, but no credits. Perhaps other research programs earn credits instead of pay.</p>
<p>Thanks very much parents, we are looking forward to learning more about U Del. Just good to know as much as possible about the financial end of it so we can make the best plans.</p>
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Honestly, it isn’t better. Their friends all go back sooner than they do, so the kids are bored and cranky. Ten weeks is too long, in my opinion, unless they’re going abroad or something.</p>
<p>I didn’t realize it was 10 weeks…calendar says 5 week session. Did I miss something?</p>
<p>I went to college far from home and had a month winter session. It did get long, but since it was a long trip, it was nice that it was not too short.</p>
<p>But 10 weeks would be a long time.</p>
<p>I guess it is longer if you add the holiday break. UD is not the only school with the 4-1-4 plan, so I suppose there are pros and cons to it either way. Mostly there are not too many kids in our area home from school at this time anyway, so friends would not make a difference. I guess it is more important that they find something productive to do- employment, on line class, travel, research…</p>
<p>It could also be a benefit to help with any possible burnout- to have a nice break as well.</p>
<p>Agreed - winter break is too long! I count 7 - 8 weeks, not 10. Even though I’m sure D’s two week holiday break will seem very short before she goes back to RA duties, I am glad she is not going to be home so long this time around. It my experience, it was not an easy adjustment for any of us, and it is difficult for me not to “mommy” her too much (driving us both crazy). I would prefer a standard calendar.</p>
<p>I just googled “Winter Session” and many other schools came up as well. I agree, it is a long break- but surely not the only college doing this. I don’t think that will be the deal breaker in a college choice, but something to think about with OOS tuition for winter session.
I remember being home from college and having to adjust to being a “kid” again- so I can see this being a tough transition. Something to plan for if possible…</p>
<p>^Pennylane: while you are researching Winter Term, make sure you note whether the other schools charge extra for it; some do (Like UDel) , some don’t…</p>