Hello! To begin, I was accepted to Susquehanna University. As soon as I was accepted by its campus, I just knew that this was the college for me. What got me really excited, though, was the 3-2 Engineering program that was stated during my tour. I regret to ask for an in depth process of how my transition from Susquehanna to Columbia would go. I am fully aware of the academic requirements that I have to take upon myself to complete. What I am worried about is my financial aid. Would the money that I was received from Susquehanna go to Columbia, or do I have to pay for the tuition for 2 years in Columbia? Also, is it all worth it?
No, the financial aid will not transfer. Columbia does have financial aid but they do NOT guarantee to meet full financial need for those in the 3+2 program. I’m not sure how much they do cover but I’d love to know as my nephew has been accepted to three 3+2 programs. Anyone on CC know how “good” the financial aid is at Columbia for the 3+2 program?
Columbia will make its own financial aid determination, so you cannot know in advance. Columbia does not guarantee to “meet need” for 3+2 transfer students like it does for frosh and other transfers, according to https://undergrad.admissions.columbia.edu/apply/combined-plan .
You can try Columbia’s net price calculator for an estimate, but then assume that the actual financial aid will be worse, since Columbia is less generous with 3+2 transfer students than for frosh and other transfers. I.e. if the estimate is unaffordable, with the real financial aid likely being worse, then you may want to consider the 3+2 program as financially unlikely.
Do you have any college choices that have engineering natively and are affordable?
My other choice is the 2+2 program for PennState, which is easily affordable, but this program seemed so wonderful when first hearing about it. Now, I’m worried if I have to pay even more money, look for more scholarships, and maybe get even more loans, for two schools.
You are probably better off looking for a 4 year engineering program at a smaller university where you can get a 4 year package of financial aid. Do you have other options? If you still are looking there are universities which have rolling admissions and these might give you some more affordable options.
What about George Mason university, Pennstate Harrisburg, UPITT Bradford, or Indiana University of Pennsylvania?