<p>each school offers something special, which is an important factor in his choice, but yes, as happymomof1 mentioned, the financial burden is a huge part of it. ‘top student’ link was good insight, thanks for the info. at public u dean’s talk, they highted their students accepted to top tier grad schools and those grad schools picked up the entire cost. so admittance to top-tier grad school is possible if he wants that route.</p>