Hi all, I’m a senior in high school who was accepted to Boston U, Drexel U, Brandeis, Uni of Maine, and Colby. I’m set on studying computer science, and I hope in the future to work as a programmer or something similar in a larger city.
My dilemma is with the financial aid I received and which school is “worth the cost”. My EFC is about $10,000. Below I’ve listed the approximate cost of attendance (in parenthesis) and the various prices I’d pay EACH year if I attend the school given the grant money I’ve received.
Boston U: $30,000 ($70,000)
Brandeis: $28,000 ($70,000)
Drexel U: $30,000 ($70,000) (+Honors College)
UMaine: $10,000 ($25,000) (+ Honors College)
Colby: $15,000 ($70,000) (+ one time $4,000 research stipend)
Additionally, I have a younger sibling who will attend college in a few years. My parents make under $100,000 a year. They’d be able to foot the cost for a year or two, but money would be tight afterward. Given my financial circumstances and options, what are your thoughts, opinions, ideas? If anyone has any similar experiences, whether it’s with choosing debt vs. school, or has any knowledge of the computer sciences programs within these universities, I’d love to hear all about it.
Some other factors I am considering are the school’s student body diversity (I want to meet lots of people from various backgrounds) as well as the connections I’d make and the career payoff. I also plan to negotiate with each university, hoping to shave a few thousand dollars off. If anyone has any tips or advice on how to go about it and maximize the aid, that’d be much appreciated as well!
Personally, I would LOVE to attend BU for the opportunities and the city of Boston, but the price tag is daunting. If I have to attend a smaller school like UMaine or Colby to not drown in debt, I’d be okay with that. Plus, there’s always graduate school.
Anyways, thanks in advance everyone! If anyone has questions, let me know.