You need to name the schools & programs in question or, as the saying goes : “garbage in, garbage out”.
Make sure that if you do not meet the scholarship stipulations that you are not liable for tuition, room & board costs for the semester when you failed to meet required stipulations.
Yes, Appalachian State is the other university. As someone who wishes to go into education, Appalachian offers a very intriguing program. I have family near the area and it’s very different from the small, women’s only campus of Mount Mary.
Based on what you have written, you do not really have a choice. Appalachian State at $19,000 per year is too expensive if there is no parent contribution. Unless you have other affordable choices, Mount Mary is your only option, but you need to keep a 3.5 college GPA to ensure that is remains affordable (at list price, Mount Mary appears to be similar price as Appalachian State with your scholarships; see http://www.mtmary.edu/costs-aid/cost-of-attendance/ ).
Could you live with family while at App? That would bring the cost down.
I’d say Mount Mary is the better choice here, but if those are the only two schools you are considering i don’t think you actually have a choice - App State is too much $ for you pay (or borrow) on your own.
You said you liked MM a lot, and the city, and all that? Take the money and RUN.
OP,
Best case scenario, what would be the out of pocket expense per year to attend App. State, and what would be the loan amount per year to attend App. State? You said that you are interviewing for a possible 10K scholarship, but that would still leave 12K in tuition plus room and board, fees, and other expenses. However, you also noted that you should be eligible for FA.
This is so similar to another thread where a student must choose between a small private school for free or other options that appeal to her more. And although my general advice is the same as OHMomof2’s (take the money and run), I also know that it’s not that simple sometimes. Plus, these are two very different schools. One is a small women’s college in Milwaukee that is second fiddle to the other women’s college in Milwaukee: Alverno. The other is a large public university that would be a world of fun with big time sports and, presumably, lots of social opportunities. Were there no other schools that you looked at?
BTW, not to go off topic, but my heart does break for so many students today. Twenty years ago, despite my family’s modest financial situation, I had lots of options, including expensive national LACs. Today, though, it seems that bright students must rule out lots of choices because even though they might gain admission at several schools, sadly they cannot afford to attend them. I was shocked to learn that families with total incomes of 100K might have an EFC of 20K. Yikes!
OP, if you are from WI, take another look at Mount Mary if possible. Speak to current students. Ask them what they like most and least about their school. Speak to professors if you can. Truly kick the tires of the school. Perhaps you have done all this already. If you still like the college and the area, then I think you have your answer.
As someone from NC, I know lots of people that went or are going to App. It is a nice school. My Ds’ favorite teacher went to App. I cringe a little when you say you want to major in education, as NC is not a great state to teach in. We don’t pay our teachers and most have to find part time jobs to supplement their income and they are old enough to not have student debt.
I do like App State but no one should be turning down a full ride in order to pay $76K over 4 years to attend App State.
I am astonished you would even consider this.
^ agree.
What you need to do is do due diligence on the small school. Do they have ISEP (for a full ride student, it means your full ride gives you a full semestre or year abroad)? NSE? (National student exchange)? Study abroad where your financial aid carries? Consortium with the other colleges in the city (ie., You can take one class per term at another college)? All of those would help expand the small offerings.
Three faculty members for your major sounds small: How often are advanced classes offered in your major and would there be at least two, preferably three offered per semester both if he and Sr years?
What’s the career center like? What percentage students have a job before graduation in your major? Within six months of graduation?
Do the professors conduct research and if so, can undergraduate students help?
Is there an honors program and if so but you’re not in it, can you apply?