<p>Ocean, what do you mean by “wanting to stay in the NW”?
If you eventually want to work and live in the NW, it isn’t necessary to go to college there.
Plan internships in Portland or Seattle – do a semester exchange – or a summer job.
Lots of planes and buses going up to the NW every day. :)</p>
<p>Crushing debt is definitely a factor to consider. If you think it will weigh you down emotionally and spiritually during school, then go with Knox. You want to enjoy your college years.</p>
<p>Fortunately we are able to afford (with savings + loans) a private school for my S, but no way would I want him to take on the degree of debt required for full ticket at private school. [I can only see taking on debt for professional school, e.g. med, dental, law, vet) after college.]</p>
<p>By the way, have you presented your case to Willamette as you did on the CC? They may give a bit more.</p>
<p>Meditate on it – either direction is “right” – :)</p>
<p>Er, I probably should have said “wanting to come back.” My bad! I spent time (few years worth) in Portland, Eugene, Salem, and Cannon Beach. I love the state, just everything about it. That’s what I wanted to know though, I have received mixed messages on whether the region really matters for undergrad.</p>
<p>Knox is a private LAC as well, but the only one that gave me serious financial consideration. I did talk to the FA office, but even with an alumni at Willamette they couldn’t raise my offer too much. $110,000 or so debt compared to $45,000 is just crushing, and I won’t allow myself to do it. If something falls through, I’ll -never- be able to pay it off. All of my college money went toward emergency family issues, so I’m on my own for this journey.</p>
<p>If you were my kid I would say go to Knox (and this is coming from someone whose kid is at Willamette In these time, debt is a big deal in selecting a school. Knox has many great opportunities. Of course you could work really really hard and try for some of the internal scholarships at Willamette once you were there.</p>
<p>Leslie, my brother mentioned how I could possibly shave about 10-30K off instantly through some more finagling, at least 10K in the senior year which they turn into grants upon graduation or something like that. That’s still double of Knox’s cost. Not to mention the money I’ll need for studying abroad, golf equipment, and other misc. expenses. I’m a very bright kid (so I’m told >>), but I’m not the hardest worker unless I really buy into something. I like Knox’s trimester philosophy a lot, and it will probably suit me much better. I’m really saddened about not being able to attend WU, but I’ll get over it as soon as I start hitting some golf balls out. 20 conference divison titles from Knox’s team! Have my work cut out for me physically this summer.</p>
<p>benel, it’s for both and also I enjoy the people around the CA/OR/WA contingent. Mom really pushed WU regardless of price for some of the connections it might get me jobwise around the region. This isn’t to say that I can’t do this with Knox, but there will be a far higher chance for me to do something in, say, St. Louis or Chicago rather than Portland or Seattle.</p>
<p>Ocean, a last comment about connections etc (given it’s April 30 and I imagine you have to decide today, right?)</p>
<p>We know many families in the PA NW area (Puget Sound); a tale of two:
one student finished at Boston U last year (International studies), was feeling grateful to have found a job as a receptionist in Seattle.
Another student will be finishing at Northeastern (business), did a couple of internships with Microsoft, and will start with them in the fall at a hefty $$.</p>
<p>Both families are very well connected to PA NW.</p>
<p>What I gleaned from their experience is that if you want to be in the PA NW eventually, start your connections now, chose a major course of study carefully, set up internships during college that will place you in the cities you might want to live in, AND leverage your connections every step of the way.</p>
In these time, debt is a big deal in selecting a school. Knox has many great opportunities. Of course you could work really really hard and try for some of the internal scholarships at Willamette once you were there.</p>