<p>I knew what I was going to see when the envelope came today, but when it says that S is only eligible to take out Federal Direct UnSub Stafford in the amount of 2750.00 per semester, ouch. I remember speaking with the admissions office months ago when I learned of the blind needs-based scholarship only criteria that they use and telling him, while I know my husband and I make a good living and he is our first in college, it doens't mean I am not going to miss 55K/year. :) I guess my question becomes, if 225k is really what we had to put both kids through college, is worth it for an undergraduate degree. I really want him to go here, and I have no problem taking on more full time like work, it's just the value issue I am struggling with. Any advice from those who may have already put a S or D through HC or similar where there was no merit money?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>This is the big issue that HC is struggling with. It is becoming a school of the wealthy (who can afford 55k/year) and the poor (who get near full rides) and the middle class is getting squeezed out. HC is now on a bandwagon to get a bunch of merit scholarships funded to help attract the best and brightest middle class students but this will take up to a decade to get fully in place. The experience at HC is unique and very high value but the tuition is breathtaking. I hope that this will eventually get corrected with substantial merit scholarhsips but obviously it won’t happen in time for your child.</p>
<p>Thanks 1980… I think you are spot on with your analysis. We had our discussion last night and after he justified spending the extra money ( which is what we needed him and had asked him to do ) we decided to put the deposit down today. He understands that he will now come out of undergrad with “some” student debt, and that our expectations of him are considerably higher ( I am a little torn about this… I mean, would I care and expect less if he were at a less expensive, less rigorous institution? ) He is VERY excited and consequently, I am as well.</p>
<p>Holy Cross is a great experience albeit a costly one! Hopefully he will have a great four years and forge many great friendships and experiences.</p>
<p>Yes, I am going through quite a debate with Holy Cross and another school. Holy Cross is truly first in my mind but I received a nice scholarship to another that I liked (I would say this school is second on my list). and the difference between HC and this school is about $20,000. Yikes! This other school is a nice school but i prefer HC and it is much better ranked. Is coming to HC worth spending the extra $20,000 or should i just opt for a lower tuition school that I received a scholarship to. I feel like I’m leaning towards HC. I have a brother who graduated not too long ago and he loved HC and clearly wants me to continue a tradition he started. I would probably do accounting/economics or possibly math at HC. By the way, the other school is Stonehill, forgot to mention that.</p>
<p>Sorry required_details, I just saw that you posted on this thread! Not trying to stalk you or follow you around or anything as I saw you posted on my thread before when I was battling between these school. I’m not trying to beat a dead horse either, I guess I’m just wondering if its worth the extra $20,000. Congrats Kellyv24! What degree is your son interested in pursuing? </p>
<p>And the other question I had was if I did not receive a scholarship/grant this year (I received some loan aid and work/study), is there a chance that I could get some merit aid award in my future years at HC, do they have programs that award students who rank high, get high gpas at HC or are part of some Honors program? Again, I would love to become a Crusader! But it is hard for me to toss up money and spent this much money on an undergrad degree as Kellyv24 stated. Thanks everyone, good luck!</p>
<p>I am glad to hear Holy Cross is addressing merit aid, too bad it will take so long. We are in that middle group where we make enough money so we don’t receive financial aid. If we had one child it wouldn’t be as much of an issue for us but we have four kids that will be in college over the next 5 years! Our oldest is off to college in the fall and at $55K+ and rising, I am losing sleep. My daughter was offered merit scholarships at several schools but all her top choices offer no merit aid…figures.</p>
<p>D received a post card yesterday from Holy Cross with a website about their Points of Distinction. We were pretty impressed. One of the points had Newsweek ranking Holy Cross #5 on Return-On-Investment.</p>
<p>There are 14 points on the website. You should check it out at [Untitled</a> Document](<a href=“http://www.holycross.edu/say]Untitled”>Points of Pride | College of the Holy Cross)</p>
<p>My daughter is visiting Holy Cross again today before she finalizes her decision.</p>
<p>Good luck to everyone!</p>
<p>hmm…sorry, I don’t know what happened to the website name I typed in…i am still able to link over to Holy Cross’ website if i click on “untitled document” tho.</p>