<p>So far I've narrowed my top 5 colleges to all public schools. However, is it possible for me to go private and be able to afford it? The only private schools which really have the degree I want(chemical engineering) and that are close are Syracuse U, and Drexel. Is it possible to get sufficient financial aid in that I'll be able to go there for 4 year and pay the same as if I had gone to Penn State(i'm out of state so tuition is about 25k).</p>
<p>It’s possible if you can secure merit aid, which should be available at both privates. But, first take a look at their websites as they may give you an idea of how much merit aid they would offer based on your stats. SU was affordable when I was an undergrad but that was long ago and I’ve heard that their (non-need) aid is less than stellar lately.</p>
<p>Make sure you understand what your family can afford, get an estimated FAFSA EFC, and investigate what your state aid, loan options, and merit aid at various schools might be. I noticed on your other thread that you’re very interested in UB…with OOS merit aid, that may be a very good option as they have very good engineering programs and are even less than Penn State (Is tuition really $25K there for OOS, or is that the total COA? I believe UB’s OOS tuition/fees are under $8K, with total COA around $28K).</p>
<p>Yes, haha UB is like my top choice prob, but I’m just worried that their engineering program is not well known enough as say Drexel or Penn State, am I worrying too much? Because UB looks like a very good school and the OOS tuition is like 13k which is awesome haha</p>
<p>Did you get your award letter from Buffalo yet? Pretty sure UB’s tuition is less than that, for this semester OOS tuition + fees total $7456. I see where you’re getting the $13K from (instate COA + $7900) but I’m pretty sure that includes an increase for transportation and other expenses as well…at least I hope they’re not planning to increase tuition for OOS by $5500 in one year! There was a little protest on campus a few weeks ago over fears that tuition would increase by a much smaller amount that that! No telling, with the pending new legislations and the way things are in Albany right now!</p>
<p>As far as name recognition, I’d be surprised if UB isn’t known in most engineering circles as they are part of many national and international projects and research efforts. They may not be well known at the high school level though, particularly in another state.</p>