<p>Did any of you change your minds and decide on a school other than Hillsdale? If so, can you post your reasons? </p>
<p>Our van is packed!</p>
<p>We just returned from a visit to Hillsdale. My kid loves it there and can’t wait to apply. The town itself seemed underwhelming. My only concern is getting a job there. Jobs go to need-based first. The town itself is hurting economically and it appears the school doesn’t want the kids taking away jobs from the locals.<br>
Does anyone know how generous their merit aid is?</p>
<p>Susie,</p>
<p>We were there this weekend to take my son back and of course to bump into fencersmother and family. The weather was gorgeous, the campus was beautiful, my son was so happy to be back, and can’t wait to start classes on Wed.</p>
<p>In terms of jobs, if a student qualifies for the equivalent of work-study, there are plenty of jobs. Financial aid seems fair. Outstanding students have more scholarship opportunities. Tuition and room and board are very reasonable. I think it’s important to note that in spite of the economy, there were no increases this year. I, for one, appreciate that. Many communities are hurting right now. I don’t know if there is anything unusual going on at Hillsdale that isn’t happening in other towns.</p>
<p>Susie, what town isn’t hurting economically right now? Hillsdale seems relatively secure compared to Detroit and other more industrial locations in the midwest.</p>
<p>As far as jobs on campus, my daughter, who is definitely a “go-getter” had her job all arranged before she left home. There are plenty of jobs on campus, and I have never heard of there being any discrimination between townies and the college students for local employment. Of course, there is no public transit, or very little, so the kids either have to have cars or go on foot, which your child may or may not find limiting. My son, an 09 grad, had a job as a phone solicitor which he very much enjoyed and fit perfectly into his schedule. It had nothing to do with any work/study program as far as I know.</p>
<p>I think Hillsdale is just about the epitome of a small midwestern town. If you are from a larger city or suburb, you may indeed find the size of the town daunting. My daughter’s roommate is from a tiny town (only 28 in her high school graduating class) and she thinks Hillsdale is enormous, filled with all types of opportunity for fun and enrichment. My son’s old roommate was from NYC, and while he may have missed the tobacconist and liquor store on the corner, he really enjoyed the security and close-knit atmosphere of the campus.</p>