<p>Why didn't you apply for financial aid? It's Princeton!!</p>
<p>I'm in the same boat as you (if I get in). The state schools in Texas are well-regarded and I've been offered a lot of money to both A&M and UT. However, I love Princeton a lot more but can't afford it ( didn't apply for financial aid because my family didn't qualify but then my dad got laid off and the family income nose-dived). If I end up going to Princeton, I'm joining the ROTC to get a scholarship. I don't think that anywhere - even Princeton - is worth that much debt. So, figure out how much you really want to go to Princeton and if you think it's worth 200K then go otherwise take the full ride and spend the money on grad school.</p>
<p>@crayola27: I think you should call the FA office personally and explain your family's situation to them. I would be very surprised if they refused to take that into account.</p>
<p>And the OP didn't necessarily say his family couldn't afford to pay anything... in fact he said there was no financial aid for him, which implies that his family could probably afford to at least pay a substantial portion of tuition.</p>
<p>If you're too rich to qualify for any financial aid whatsoever from Princeton (which is quite a feat), then your family should be able and willing to spend $200,000 to send you to a school that will open up more opportunities for you than almost any other university in the world.</p>
<p>Education at ivy leagues almost guarantees future fellowships, internships and study abroad opportunities etc. A state school will not open those doors for you. In the long run, you will get your money's worth.</p>