<p>My son is choosing between Emory and Chapel Hill right now. I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that Emory will cost us 3 times as much as Chapel Hill.
My son is interested in Biology, but I don't think med school.</p>
<p>I know Emory is gorgeous and he'd have all the "perks" of a private school, but they are both great schools. Hard to justify the price tag of Emory.</p>
<p>I assumed he’s visited all three? I think you should be honest with your son about the costs and perhaps talk about whether or not his undergraduate choice will affect any help you might be able to provide for graduate school.</p>
<p>Also, what does your son intend to do with biology? UNC has a better biology department (but not necessarily a better undergraduate biology experience or opportunities), but Emory does have a four-year BS/MS program in biology if your son is exceptional in biology and interested in research (UNC does not).</p>
<p>Two thoughts:
Many (most?) undergraduates will change academic plans once they actually attend college. I wouldn’t pick an undergraduate college on th bais of major.</p>
<p>I think the real difference between good public and good private schools lie somewhat in the realm of intangibles: the national and inernational student body (Chapel Hill is 87% in-state), the personal attention and abundant opportunities, and post-graduate national and international alumi body (not relevant if your student will stay in NC).</p>