<p>I am a NMF and I was offered a full ride to several schools. I have it narrowed down to the university of alabama, auburn, and northeastern. I really want to go to northeastern university, but it only offered me full tuition. That still leaves 14,000 in room, board, and books. Auburn and alabama both offered me full rides.
My parents have no money to contribute, and I got no grants from the FAFSA. Do you think I should go to the school I really want to go to, even if it means a lot of debt? Or save money since I plan on going to grad school too? And if I worked pay or full time, how much money could I make? And if you have any other suggestions to make money, please tell me. I'm already donating blood plasma for money.</p>
<p>You’re implying that the other two aren’t good schools?</p>
<p>I would say, see if Northeastern would match the offer. Since it’s not full pay or anything, maybe still go if you can’t stand either of the Alabama schools. However, if you can see yourself spending the four years there, I would opt for saving the $14k/year. You can work to make up some difference, but not that much.</p>
<p>I’m not saying that the other two aren’t good, but they’re not my first choices and they are bigger party schools than northeastern</p>
<p>If you didn’t get any Pell Grants then your family is not terribly poor. Can’t they contribute anything? You can also take out a Stafford loan (5.5K for a freshman).</p>
<p>I would choose Auburn or Alabama. As a NMF, you will be a part of their honors college, receive extra allowances for equipment (laptop) that you need and be generally appreciated. If your parents really cannot afford anything, then why saddle yourself and them with debt? It took my brother (and parents) 10 years to pay off his college debt, even though he got a good job after graduating. Don’t do it to yourself! Especially when you have such good prospects in Alabama.</p>
<p>Some of the parents who are active in the Financial Aid Forum have sons or daughters at Alabama, and they report that those students are very happy there. So far, I haven’t read a single complaint about these students’ experiences, and I’m sure I would have if anyone were unhappy with their choice!</p>
<p>Graduating debt free is a huge gift that you can give to yourself and your family, so think long and hard about it. Here is a thread started last spring by a graduating senior who made the choice to save money rather than go into debt for a “better” school. <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/905843-top-student-3rd-tier-school-four-years-later.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/905843-top-student-3rd-tier-school-four-years-later.html</a> psych_ is still around, so you could PM her for more personalized advice.</p>
<p>Wishing you all the best!</p>