<p>I have not posted here in a long time, since my daughter is in her last year at McGill. When she started the US dollar was at $1.22 CDN. It rapidly went down to almost par and has stayed there for several years.</p>
<p>In case you have not been paying attention, in the last three weeks the Canadian dollar has crashed against the US dollar and is currently at $1.27. I have just pre-paid my daughter's last semester tuition, and
at a $1.24 rate (after conversion charges) I saved $1250 US on the $6500 CDN tuition. My US tuition was just $5250.</p>
<p>It is hard to budget for McGill expenses, but if you have a child there, this is a good time to convert funds, finally. The US dollar may go up or down, but I felt that this was a good time to lock in my rate.</p>
<p>Wow. Sounds like a deal. I think it's ironic that our economy is sinking, yet the dollar is getting stronger against the CAD.</p>
<p>I'm really hoping to go to McGill... did your child get any major scholarships or aid?</p>
<p>No scholarship or aid here...they are really few and far between for international students at McGill. Even with paying full freight, and the poor value of the US dollar, McGill was less expensive than our state university, UVM in Burlington, VT. UVM is the most costly State U. in the country.</p>
<p>that's slightly disappointing... There's no way I can afford to go without something... Of course if the dollar stays this strong against the CAD, then it won't take much money from them to be cheaper then most other places. I don't really know a whole lot about my parents finances, I just know they can't afford 28 grand a year.</p>
<p>Keep your chin up, maybe you will get aid or scholarship. Also, just because it is in Canada, you still qualify for Stafford and other loans and your folks can get US tax credits or deductions.</p>
<p>Seriously, if you are thinking about college, you need to have a discussion with your parents about finances and how much they can or will pay. Money is a touchy subject, but you and your folks need to have realistic expectations going into the search. College is expensive, but it can be worked out-- you must know your parameters before you make your choices.</p>
<p>It can be hard for parents to discuss family money issues with their kids. You should bring the subject up to them.</p>