<p>I've posted this on the Duke forum, but I'd like to get some opinions here from those of y'all that frequent the board. So I've been offered a package from Duke that's very, very fair (no hidden surprises or loopholes). It comes with a 2-ishk work-study, a 2-ishk summer contribution, and a 4k Perkins loan, as well as a FAFSA EFC-level parent contribution.</p>
<p>I've also been offered an oustanding offer from WashU that would let my parents pay 1.5k less than our FAFSA EFC, and that would be it.</p>
<p>I'm planning on majoring in a social science (public policy), and I want to go on to grad school (either academic or professional) afterwards, and my parents have been telling me 'not to worry' about the money, but that's something that I can't help but consider/factor/think about. The majority of my college list was chosen from schools that met full need/were loan free, so I have options to graduate loan-free at a fantastic school. But somewhat irrationally, it's /Duke/ (has a strong policy program (v. urban studies) and a stronger dance ptrogram) I would graduate from Duke with 16k worth of debt (which my parents have told me they would repay for me, not that I want them to).</p>
<p>16K is well under the Stafford minimums. I think it is a reasonable amount of debt for a Duke education. I believe you can afford to choose among these two excellent options based on fit rather than finances. However, I would not choose Duke over WUSTL for name recognition alone. Choose it because it offers a better environment/programs/etc. for what you want to do. Some might consider WUSTL more intellectual than Duke.</p>
<p>Who is it you’re trying to impress? Your next door neighbor? Then go with Duke - they’ll probably have heard of it. But if it’s the grad school admissions committees you’re thinking about, WashU is an equally strong contender. As you said, they’re both fantastic schools - and grad schools will know that!</p>
<p>Have you visited the schools? I believe WashU pays for your visit, if you register on time. My personal observation is they are two really different schools. Duke is D1, the school spirit is high - this is March Madness for basketball’s sake, greek life is more dominant, probably the student body is a little, shall I say class or ethnic conscious (I could be using the wrong words here). WashU is probably more friendly, laid back, but has no school spirit like the Blue Devil since they are DIII. My impression is the ethnic groups mingle better at WashU than at Duke. In all fairness, for your case, I think it boils down to fit more than anything. If your parents have no problem paying the $16K loan, I’d choose either Duke or WashU and ignore other the free ride schools if I were you.</p>
<p>I’m really thinking in terms of grad schools and internship opportunities when I say ‘name rec,’ I guess. The Urban Studies at WashU is relatively new and small, and I’m worried that because of the interdisciplinary nature of the department itself (it’s not ‘housed’ anywhere), there aren’t as many dedicated resources to the program as I would get at Duke. I’m afraid that professors who teach x-listed courses won’t really be as interested in the urban studies students as their own history/anthro/poli sci/public health students.</p>
<p>The public policy program at Duke is far larger (by about ten times) and because an internship is required, I feel like there’s a better network/service in place for internships. Duke also seems to have a bigger emphasis on service as a part of the campus culture, but I’m not as sure on that one. Also, the dance program at Duke is pretty developed and extensive, which isn’t the case at WashU.</p>
<p>I am going to visit both schools, so a lot of this is just speculation until I get onto campus. I’m pretty quiet (and introverted), so socially, WashU will probably be a better fit, but academically, Duke feels like a better fit.</p>
<p>Financially, my parents are pushing for me to let the debt go and focus on fit, but I was really looking forward to graduating loan free, and I’m not sure if that’s something I’m going to want to give up.</p>
<p>I assume the new department at WashU has a chair? That’s the person you should be talking to. He or she would probably be in the best position to tell you what, if anything, you’d be missing out on by going with the new program.</p>
<p>It sounds like you’ve given this a lot of thought, though, so I’m sure you’ll make the right decision. Best of luck to you!</p>
<p>$16,000 in loans is laughable for a top tier school.</p>
<p>Many/most public school kids graduate with that, if not more.</p>
<p>Consider yourself incredibly lucky if your family only has to pay the $16,000. If this is in addition to what your parents are paying, how much does Duke expect them to pay a year?</p>
<p>You got super deals. Duke may pay for your visit. Check your e-mail. DS3 is responsible for 7K/yr in addition to parent’s contribution. We will visit next week and I am asking him how confident is he to get a GPA>3.7.</p>
<p>No Stafford loans?
Can your parents afford their EFC?
Are any grants tied to grade point?
Do your Perkins loan amount increase till graduation to keep up with increases in COA?</p>