<p>For the longest time I thought I wanted to apply to Columbia ED, but as I do more research I find myself becoming completely sold on Barnard. I want to apply ED, but I’m concerned with financial aid. In comparison with Columbia, Barnard’s financial aid seems a little lacking. Is Barnard’s financial aid good? Even with the fin aid package is tuition less than most state schools and ivy leagues?</p>
<p>Barnard will meet full need, but the Barnard financial aid policies are not as generous as Columbia’s, at least in general. On a case-to-case basis is might vary, because each college will be making its own determination on how to handle atypical financial circumstances. But if the two colleges calculate ability to pay equally, then your loan burden would be significantly greater at Barnard.</p>
<p>Don’t apply ED anywhere if you truly need financial aid. Ever. </p>
<p>There really is nothing to debate - if you are concerned about financial aid, you should not be applying ED.</p>
<p>Barnard does not have a large endowment, therefore it does not give out a lot of financial aid. It is technically “full need”, but this can include loans and work study.</p>
<p>I think if you are a good match with Barnard, you’d rather apply regular decision. Undergraduate debt is not a good thing.</p>
<p>Btw, Barnard tuition is a lot more expensive than state schools.</p>
<p>Actually, when my d was in the application/decision process 6 years ago, out-of-state tuition at the university of Michigan (one of her top choices along with Barnard) was going to be a bit more than Barnard for us. </p>
<p>So, yes, it’s much less expensive to go to a “state” school in your home state; but not necessarily to an out-of-state school.</p>
<p>Good point churchmusicmom. I just assumed that she meant a school in her state :)</p>