Hello, seeking some input on decision between Duke full-pay and Oxford/ Emory as a Woodruff scholar. It’s turning out to be a harder decision than we originally thought, as Duke was always our child’s dream school, but the scholarship is a full ride. Could someone familiar with the Emory scholars program tell us more about what, if any, non-monetary perks there are, and also, I’d like to hear more about the Oxford campus, academics etc. I’ve read some negative reviews online, but I think they’re old, and my child was very impressed with it after Scholar’s weekend visit. Thanks in advance for any input/ insight that would help us make this decision!
My son is on the Oxford campus and loves it. He says the word is that Oxford is more rigorous than the main campus, though I have no idea if it’s true. My son is low key, and was looking for a smaller campus so it suits him well. Congratulations on the scholarship, and on having to make this choice!
They are both spectacular schools in the big scheme of life.
Emory Oxford is often described like a small liberal arts school. There are benefits and drawbacks. It’s kid dependent. I feel you can benefit with that level of attention as a freshman and sophomore. It’s a quiet life comparatively. But I’m sure the students have fun. And after two years you join the larger Emory community. It’s like two collegiate experiences for the price of one. Not bad at all. And the Emory education is not the typical safety school dilemma.
Duke offers you the fantastic academics with all the bells and whistles. Big time sports. Beautiful campus. Activities and awesome facilities. You have a larger group of students and much more access to research opportunities. The students will be from across the country and many international students. It will be a much vibrant and energetic campus environment. Some would argue it has
the stronger brand.
It’s also around 320k when you count travel, incidentals and sundries. Plus students like to do things off campus. Think Uber’s, occasional diners and pizza night etc. Along with books, laundry and the occasional Starbucks. Lol.
I can’t speak to your willingness or ability to pay this amount. Or other financial or educational responsibilities coming down the pike for other children.
The wonderful scholarship offered would be very difficult to pass up. Especially since the alternative is Emory.
Good luck and congrats to all.
A full ride is hard to turn down. What does your son want to major in? (That is highly relevant as some classes are not offered on the Oxford campus and if he has to take the bus to Buckhead a few days a week, it might be a PIA.)
Both amazing schools, congrats!! While Duke is terrific, I have a hard time seeing a $300K+ difference in value between Duke and Emory, which is also a terrific elite school. Yes, there’s some increment of super-eliteness of Duke over Emory, but a six-figure difference in the quality of undergrad education? I can’t see how Duke could possibly be offering that order of magnitude of value-added over Emory.
Experience-wise, opinions will differ on whether starting at the Oxford campus is desirable. To me it sounds best-of-both-worlds. You get to have the small LAC experience and stretch your wings at a larger research university, without having to transfer and rebuild your social support system - your cohort comes with you! All this and a full ride too? AND the additional perks and networking that go with being a Woodruff Scholar? To me, that would be very, VERY hard to turn down. Duke will be there for grad school!
Did you get any financial aid from Duke? If you didn’t, you are probably quite affluent and the money might not mean a great deal to you. We really can’t comment intelligently without being familiar with your financial situation.
Also, this title “Emory/Oxford (full ride) vs Duke” would be much more informative. I’d suggest changing it.
Thank you all for your help, we are very excited about the small liberal arts approach of Oxford. It seems to offer the best of both worlds!
Probably Emory/Oxford for the full ride and financial benefits unless you love Duke much more! Congrats on both!