<p>I don’t know about the financials, but the branch of the University of Maine that is known for teacher preparation (even outside the state, I gather) is U Maine Farmington. Which happens to be a lot closer to NH than the two you cite.</p>
<p>I happened to find some info about the NEHBE Tuition Break program and thought of you. I know that you had ruled it out because your D wanted to major in English/Sec Ed that was offered in state but are there any stipulations in double majoring? Looking over the list here:</p>
<p>There are a couple that jump out at me that would work for someone who wants to be an English teacher:
Comparative Literature (at UMASS Amherst!) and Creative Writing ARE an English major. They are just a more specialized English program. “Book Arts” falls under the English department as well. And Library Science and Early Special Education would work well for a teacher because they would end up being dual certified which would make you VERY employable at a school. Often small schools will pay a teacher to be say both an English teacher and a part time librarian. </p>
<p>I can’t find anything that says that double majoring effects the program. And there also seems to be a “proximity” provision where if you can find that major out of state but its still closer to your home than the instate version, you can still qualify the program. It might be worth giving the program a second look. </p>
<p>In-state NJ is $30k/yr room, board, tuition. (COA)
Some of the state schools offer some nice merit money based on SAT scores.
Yes, there are other states with great in-state choices and lower costs. But hey, welcome to the Northeast.
If I’m not mistaken, you may qualify under consortium of New England colleges for discount.</p>
<p>I know that it was a long time ago, but I graduated ranked 1 in a class of 2 (really!), no sports, no AP courses, no honors classes, no music, and the only EC activities were through my church. I ran out of courses at school and took two at the community college, but that was 2nd semester senior year so that couldn’t have factored in much. I did do well on the SAT, though. I only applied to Cornell because my father insisted–and got in. So you never know, a kid from a tiny rural school who has a passion for learning and shows it could do very well in applications to the Ivies. </p>
<p>Also, my kids’ rural school only offers three AP courses, and Cornell took three kids from this year’s class of 150. People around here say that Cornell really likes rural kids, and maybe that’s true.</p>
<p>@jaxpaige - I just read your post. I’m a fellow New Hampster-ite and was in the same boat as you are. UNH was the least affordable college for both my boys given they offered no aid at all (well, we <em>were</em> offered a “package” that was all loans). I apologize for skipping over some of this thread so may be repeating what others have said but we found several private LACS that were generous with merit money. S2 really liked Clark University in Worcester Mass and it was very affordable after merit was factored in. And then our governor - who I do like - doesn’t understand why STEM kids go elsewhere. I have one in college in Mass and the other in Maine.</p>
<p>@BTMell it really is too bad that UNH is so expensive for an in state school because we certainly live close enough that she could commute there. We are actually going on a summer “tour” to a school in Maine the last week of June! My bosses son goes to Clark and loves it. What school does your son attend in Maine? </p>
<p>@jaxpaige - he’s at Bates and loves it. But really would have enjoyed UNH. It’s too bad it was an option for us to consider. We live on the western side of the state. Clark was S2’s second choice - it really was a hard one to say “no” to.</p>
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