You are out of state for Purdue, and in-state for MSU. It is highly unlikely that Purdue would bring their offer down to the MSU cost. Go to MSU.
I propose we stick with the term COA for the school’s total cost of attendance and use NCOA or “net cost” for the student’s bottom line. (I think we’re all probably too cavalier with abbreviations here on CC, in general, and inadvertently confusing a lot of people.)
@yurica, you can ask Purdue for more money, but it’s as likely to happen as winning the State Lotto. If you live in Michigan, why on earth would you expect the State of Indiana (and its taxpayers) to provide you with need-based aid? With the exception of a few “Public Ivies,” it just ISN’T done.
You CANNOT afford Purdue; let it go! The question now is whether you can even afford Michigan State–something that is not clear at this point. I’d feel better about your accepting loan packages if you were majoring in something that would make it easier to get a job following graduation, like nursing or engineering.
Seriously, you must be realistic about what your options are. Were you unaware how little income your mother has when you trusted her that she could pay for college?
Please understand I don’t meant to be harsh, but you don’t seem to be comprehending what folks here are trying to explain to you. I know it’s frustrating. I was in a similar situation when I was applying to colleges back in the Stone Age, but I also was realistic enough to know that with my mom’s very limited income, aside from filling out my FAFSA forms, there was little she could do for me. It was private colleges with generous, need-based financial aid or the cheapest in-state option I could fund with federal, low-interest loans.
Even with the MSU option, taking out $6500 or more out in loans every year is going to leave you with almost $30k in debt before even starting med school or vet school.
Purdue is not that much better than MSU especially in biology. Doesn’t MSU have its own vet school too?
But if tuition, fees, room and board at MSU is indeed about $26,000 and you get $15,000 in grants, you will have about $11,000 left to pay and with $6,500 in Perkins and direct loans and summer job and work study it should be doable.
I think you should appeal the award at MSU to see if you can get more. Don’t take out the Parent Plus loan. Work in the summers and get a work-study job on campus.
Well I can’t say I’m not disappointed, but I will take all of your advice and attend MSU. However, I won’t be able to attend until the Spring of 2017, do any of you know what that is like?
Do you mean that you’ve been accepted as a Spring admit? That’s great! You can work from the time you graduate HS through December 2016. You can really earn quite a bit of money to save for college.
Being admitted as a spring admit is actually beneficial, like brantly said that gives you even more time to save up the money for college. I hope all goes well for you!
OP, your MSU aid package is likely going to be revised. Call and ask about the Spartan Advantage program: https://finaid.msu.edu/spad.asp
I was part of this program. My first FA package from MSU looked like yours. Once it was revised, it was much, much nicer.
Happy to answer any questions about MSU or the Spartan Advantage Program. (I’m an alum)
Looks like there are inexpensive cooperative houses around MSU. These may cost significantly less than the published room and board budget. http://www.msu.coop/
Finding affordable housing off-campus is not hard at all. My rent was $295 a few years ago (albeit that was 4 people in a 2 bedroom apartment but it was right off campus).
However, all first years are required to live on campus. You can move off (including to co-op) after your first year.
Most people live on for 2 years, for what it’s worth.
@romanigypsyeyes I was about to page you to assist this kid. Glad you’re here to help.
Yes, definitely look into the Spartan Advantage program romani mentioned!
OP, this is College Conf at its best. You are able to get sound advice…and to hear from people who have actually gone thru situations that you can learn from --and benefit from their experience. For your own best interests, listen closely! As a parent I feel for your mom. It must be hard to not be able to tell you to follow your dreams…but as others have repeatedly advised, Purdue is simply not an option. Your family did not have a clear picture of the financial implications. Now use all your best energy to focus on making MSU as low-debt as possible . The Spartan Advantage (and the spring admittance) are blessings, take full advantage.
@romanigypsyeyes Thank you! I have a few questions…
- Would I have to ask for the Spartan Advantage or would it be offered?
2.What did you like about MSU?
- Would you recommend being part of a living learning community?
- What is the study abroad program like?
- Are the dorms nice?
- Would I still have as many options to choose a dorm if I go for spring?
I would totally recommend joining a living learning community. You are automatically with people who share your interests, you take some classes together so it’s easier for study groups, and you’re not anonymous, it makes the big university less alienating and the transition smoother.
- It should be offered but I'd email them to confirm. As I said, my first package didn't have it but it was revised.
- I'll send a PM with more details later. There was honestly nothing I disliked.
- YES! I was part of RCAH and it's easily one of the best decisions I've ever made.
- Each one is different. I went to Costa Rica and I absolutely loved it. I didn't know a single person who didn't have a good study abroad experience. SPAD also provides some funding for study abroad... or they did when I was there.
- Eh, they're dorms. They're functional but nothing to write home about. As part of RCAH I lived in Sny-Phy which I think is definitely one of the nicer ones.
- Unless something has changed, you don't get to choose your dorm. If you do get to choose now then yes, your options will probably be more limited in the spring.
@romanigypsyeyes can a spring admit take CC classes summer and fall before coming to MSU under the MSU aid package offered? This student could work, do classes, and be in good shape for MSU both on $$ and with having some classes completed at a low cost.
I’m not sure- that is something that should be directed to MSU.
OP here is an interesting thread about MSU