Duke vs. Emory (full ride)

College Search & Selection
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Hi guys! I’m currently stressing over making a decision so I thought I could ask yall for some help.

I got into Duke RD and was an Emory Scholars Finalist, and in the past two weeks I’ve pretty much mentally committed to Duke because I wasn’t expecting anything from Emory. But I just found out that I got the full tuition scholarship for Emory (yay!!) and now I don’t know what to do. I have no financial aid from Duke so it’s a HUGE difference in cost–my parents say not to let price be the deciding factor, but I feel like it’d just be stupid of me to pass up such a rare opportunity :confused: I prefer Duke in terms of campus/social life/academics but don’t know if it’s worth 70k …

I’m planning to study econ/finance/maybe go into something entrepreneurial (I really don’t know) for context. For Emory, I’m guaranteed admission to their undergrad business school in my junior year as part of the scholarship. Idk if anyone could give me any advice that’d be really appreciated!! Thanks so much :slight_smile:

1 Like
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Ok first congrats , both great schools , is the difference 70k a year? If it is unless your folks are very well off and you are the last college kid they have I would have to pass, if it is 70K over 4 years that is different. You get a great education at Emory, with a worse basketball team ( if they even have one). If you think grad school may be in your future than save your money for grad school.

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If the difference is 70K per year I don’t see how you could turn down Emory unless you are famously wealthy. Especially with automatic acceptance into Gozietta business, which is highly ranked. I know Duke is more prestigious but Emory is no slouch and is not likely to hold you back in any way.

4

If it’s $70K / year = $280k total, ask your parents to put the money into an account for you. If you go entrepreneurial, there’s your seed capital. You want HBS? paid for. Neither? down payment on your first house.

Duke is great, no doubt. Free degree from Emory/Goizueta? even better!

5

Congratulation! Go with Emory since you have a full ride, even though Duke is ranked higher. Money talks!

6

There’s a lot you can do with $280K+…Emory all the way.

7

Emory scholars + guaranteed Goizueta + full tuition = no brainier.
Save the money for post graduation goals.
Emory is a top school BTW, congratulations :slight_smile:

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A couple of things to think about:

  • you say you got full tuition paid for in the body of your post but the title says “full ride”? Which is it?
  • did your parents already save money for your college education or would they have to take out loans to pay for Duke and be a financial hardship?
  • most high school students have no idea how much money their parents make, what their net worth is, or their financial situation.

Without understanding the above I can’t tell you which college you should attend.

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Thank you @NJdad07090 @joecollege44 @collegemom3717 @jentam @oldlaw @MYOS1634 for all your input! I think I’m leaning towards Emory at this point (it is 70k/year for Duke, should’ve clarified) so I appreciate the opinions (:

@socaldad2002 Sorry I mean full tuition! I’d still have to pay for room/board & textbooks. My parents are pretty well-off and have no problem paying for my college tuition (which I’m SO immensely grateful for) so it really wouldn’t be a financial burden on our family. But if I have the opportunity to save that much money, I don’t want to pass it up just because I can

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Can I ask … you received the Goizueta Scholars award? How many finalists were there and how many actually received the scholarship? My son was notified yesterday he is a finalist and I’m curious. Did you choose Emory? What has your experience been as a GS? I have another son who graduated from Goizueta but am wondering specifically about the GS experience? And congrats on having had amazing choices when you were college bound!

11

+1 for Emory

BUT … why don’t let your parents decide …

There are many families out there for whom extra 200k is chum-change.
Maybe If they are Duke alumni and it’s important for them that the legacy continues,
they are maybe willing to fork out the money …