I am torn between these two schools. I was accepted into both, BU (CAS) and Fordham. At the moment, I have no clue what I’d like to major in, so that isn’t really a major factor into deciding between these two schools. It would be a dream to go to school in NYC, and overall I think I prefer Fordham as a whole. This probably shouldn’t play a deciding factor, but one of my best friends is also planning on attending Fordham and it would be comforting to go to NYC actually knowing someone (I am coming from out of state). I would be paying for tuition by myself, so loans are necessary. At BU, I am being offered a financial aid package of ~63K (8K being loans totaling to 55K of grant money) with an estimated cost of 65K yearly and at Fordham, I am getting ~41K with an estimated cost at 68K yearly. Obviously BU comes out on top with finances, and it is very compelling however, I believe Fordham would be affordable. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
For full disclosure, my son went to Fordham and loved it. First, talk to your parents but it sound like the price differential should be a consideration and would be a big plus for BU. Other than price, there are definite differences between the schools and you need to figure out which is the best fit for you. Other than the city they are located in, there is a big difference in the size of the school, religious affiliation (Jesuit and non-sectarian), and I’d guess that Fordham has a much bigger core curriculum (which my S generally found OK, although he wished it was not quite as large). I wouldn’t put too much stock in your friend doing to Fordham - this is a time to make the choice that works best for you.
So BU would be about $2,000 out of pocket (and about $32K in debt after four years) whereas Fordham would be about $27K per year out of pocket? How much of the Fordham cost would have to be covered by debt for you, the student?
Boston is also a very cool city, and in many ways more manageable than New York (especially as an under-21). If you want to live in New York, you can always move there later. Also, if you are going to Fordham’s Rose Hill campus, remember that it is in the Bronx. It’s a very pretty campus right near the New York Botanical Garden, but it’s still in the Bronx - it’s a bit of a trek down to Midtown Manhattan and even further to the cheap spots in the LES where undergrads often hang out. So consider that when you’re weighing the importance of living in New York. You won’t really be living the dream like in a television show, living in a fabulous unrealistic apartment and attending VIP parties or whatnot. New York is expensive, lots of venues are 21+, and you won’t be in Manhattan. (Now…there’s nothing wrong with that - New York has a lot more to offer than just partying and Broadway - but I say it because that seems to be the image that students have in their mind when they say that they dream about going to college in New York.)
Personally I think I would take the near-full ride at Boston U.
That’s a tough one!
Is there anything specific you don’t like about BU? Have you visited both?
I think you should try to appeal your FA at Fordham. Maybe the fact that BU offered you that much could help your case, but I’m not sure. In case Fordham doesn’t make it more affordable for you then I think you should seriously consider BU. If they don’t, and you/your parents can afford most of it and you only need to take small loans, then Fordham wouldn’t be unreasonable. It would open more doors for you in NYC and make it easier for you to live there after graduation. However, if you have to take that much (approximately 27k/year) in loans then I wouldn’t advise it since you have a much more affordable and great option.
@juillet There is the Lincoln Center campus, which is two blocks away from Central Park and a few more from Columbus Circle. It’s either in the Upper West Side or Midtown West, I’m not sure. But that gives students really easy access to everything in Manhattan, it’s literally in the middle of things. But obviously if OP applied to RH then what you said is true.
Good luck! 