<p>i'm looking for a cheap (outofstate $30000 or less) college/university with a strong hold on liberal arts, especially in english and/or economics. history, too. (actually, i'd prefer a college that's pretty good in whatever falls into the "arts and sciences" category; i plan to go to law school and i want a strong foundation in liberal arts, whatever that may be). i currently plan to major in english.</p>
<p>state universities are ok (i'm actually looking into umich ann arbor) and i don't think i'll be living in the dorms for most of the time so quality of residential halls doesn't really matter. the major issue for me is TUITION, so places w/ tons of scholarship opportunities are great.</p>
<p>any ideas?</p>
<p>(apparently, i am panicking because the prospect of not being able to afford college is hitting me hard. i mean, there are such things called loans and stuff, but if the tuitions were affordable in the first place, i wouldn't be worrying so much.)</p>
<p>================================================== ================================================== ==
since somebody just mentioned stats,</p>
<p>sat1: verbal 770 math 770 writing 800
sat2: bio 800 mathlevel2 800 lit 740
aps: microecon 5 macroecon 5 lit 5 calBC 5 usgov&pol 4
gpa: 3.9
ecs: not bad, some personal publications, school magazine, occasional school plays, volunteer work, etc. nothing phenomenal either, though.</p>
<p>before you panic about finances you and your parents should fill out one of the online FAFSA calculators and see what your family's contribution is expected to be. The difference between that and the sticker price is "need" and colleges cover that with a mix of grants and loans. If you go to a school where a student like you is in high demand it will be more tilted towards grants.</p>
<p>There is a thread that has advice on how to compile a list of colleges where you can have a free ride (<a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=148852)%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=148852)</a>. That can give you some ideas. With your stats, you have many options for merit aid and there are many threads on CC that list colleges with merit scholarships. If your family's income does not make you eligible for much need aid, that is the way to go. Your own state university would be a good deal for you as well.</p>
<p>Don't let the price tag of a college/university scare you. With your credentials, you should do well-FA package. Select several schools as a safety net, several reach and stretch schools and apply. I think you will be amased at the results.</p>
<p>Agreed with Smytty. Those are some impressive scores.
University of Arizona has tuition under 30K for sure. Tuition for out-of-state students is 13.5K about, which is VERY good imo. Thats the only college I've seen that has out of state tuition for such a good deal, there are prolly others too though.</p>
<p>ha, Boston University is among the most expensive private universities, Fiske's College Guide placed it in the "Very Expensive" category (highest you can get on the expensive scale). Pr $$$$</p>
<p>However, given your scores, I am sure you will garner some merit scholarships of some sort.</p>
<p>Look at Rice University. Cost was a major concern for me and they gave me nearly a full ride. Most people consider it an engineering and math and science school but its English and history programs are also highly regarded.</p>
<p>You might want to a gander at UNC-CH - it does have some great merit aid programs for a select few - full rides at in-state rates for OOS students.</p>
<p>Just a thought.............</p>
<p>NC state schools/university system in general seem to have very decent tuition/fees/rm/brd for OOS students.</p>
<p>I also would suggest looking into Washington & Lee - they do have some great scholarship programs there as well.</p>
<p>I agree with those who advise you to sit down with your parents and talk about how to finance your college education. Mikemac's suggestion is a good one -- size up your financial situation and approximate what your family's Expected Family Contribution (EFC) will be. Once you've got a handle on what colleges will expect you and your family to contribute, you'll be in a better place to know where to go next regarding merit and need-based financial aid. Check out FinAid:</p>
<p>You may want to consider Emory University, which would fulfill your desire for a solid "liberal arts" foundation and prepare you for a future in law. Emory has one of the largest financial endowments of any university in the country and is "need blind" in their admissions practice as well as committed to meeting "100% of demonstrated financial need". Also, in addition to their commitment to assist with need-based aid, they have a distinguished academic merit program (the Emory Scholars Program) that rewards generous merit-based scholarships. Here's a link to this program:</p>
<p>Sendme2school, you will be amazed, like many of the above posters have written, that many colleges will meet your needs, especially with your academic credentials. You may want to try Vassar. If female, check out Barnard and Smith. All three schools met the need-based aid through grants and scholarships of a friend of mine's daughter and I don't believe her credentials were as good as yours.</p>