Free State School or $$ for Prestige?

Paying for College
1

<p>Williams College vs. Full Ride Elsewhere? </p>

<p>Due to parents sending in my financial aid stuff late, I didn't find out until this past Monday I received just under $40,000 a year financial aid package. However, I'd have to take out in loans for the remainder, which could vary from year to year between $8,000 to $10,000. </p>

<p>Since I'm paying for college on my own, I was virtually set already with going to a state school with a full merit-based ride elsewhere, meaning full tuition, room and board, books, study abroad stipend, and even a free laptop!</p>

<p>Now the question is, is it worth being maybe $40,000+ in debt after graduation, for more prestige/name recognition... or of course, a smaller school, and other perks of Williams, over an absolutely free education at a state school?</p>

<p>(And before you ask, it isn't an ultraprestigious state school, although it does have top billing in different majors... but not totally bad odds at grad school, etc. And by the way, I'm undeclared for a major.)</p>

<p>Suggestions, anyone? It's getting uncomfortably close to May 1st!!</p>

2

<p>Which state school is it..?</p>

<p>Well, it depends on what you want to do. So all I can tell you is to think and plan ahead for your long-term goals.</p>

<p>I have this similar problem: full ride at UCLA and not much financial aid at Northwestern. Despite the financial issue, I am choosing Northwestern, because I see it as a better fit for me.</p>

3

<p>Honestly, I'd go with the state school, unless Williams is absolutely the best and only fit for you.</p>