Help! Dartmouth vs. University of Washington (a financial battle)

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hi, everyone! I know this is sort of long, but I'd appreciate it if you took a look and jotted down some of your thoughts. Thank you. :)</p>

<p>Anyway, I've finally whittled my college choices down to two: Dartmouth and UW. I absolutely adore Dartmouth. It was tied for my first choice when I applied, and ever since my other top school gave a resounding "No, thanks," I've only become more attached. The three alumni I have talked to so far have all gushed about the opportunities offered, the friendships forged, and the unique sense of community established. I'm looking forward to seeing Dartmouth for myself at Dimensions this month.</p>

<p>HOWEVER:</p>

<p>Dartmouth has given me no financial aid aside from $3000 in loans (mostly unsubsidized). I'm in-state for UW, so it's about $30k cheaper per year. I've also managed to snag a merit scholarship there, and I won't be paying tuition or fees my first year.</p>

<p>My parents have always told me that they're willing to foot the bill for any college I choose to go to, but I'm a little reluctant to take them up on their offer. I have two younger siblings they will have to put through college. Both are significantly younger (sis is -15 years), meaning college costs will probably be astronomical by the time they graduate from high school. I fully appreciate my parents' support (not only now, but for the past 17 odd years), and I want to balance my own interests with what's best for my family.</p>

<p>While I do love Dartmouth, I will not be devastated if I end up going to UW. I was admitted to the Honors Program and I have a lot of friends there. Another four years in Seattle would be a bummer, but not a deal-breaker.</p>

<p>Other random tidbits:</p>

<p>*As of this moment, my intended major is economics. I also plan to pursue a poli sci minor. Both (major and minor) are available at both schools.</p>

<p>*After graduation, I'm looking at attending either business school or law school. My parents, as supportive as they are, are drawing the line here, and will not pay for postgrad expenses even if I save cash by going to UW.</p>

<p>*I've never been to the east coast, and I think it might be a worthwhile experience to live there for a while. Nonetheless, I do, eventually, hope to settle down on the west coast.</p>

<hr>

<p>In my case, is there a clear choice? Is there an advantage to either school that simply can't be sacrificed? Should I just take my parents up on their offer? Thank you in advance for any and all insight and advice you can provide.</p>

2

<p>look at it as a business deal. Can your parents put the difference into a saving account somewhere for you so by the time you're done at UW, you can use that to go to law school or business school?
Several members of my extended family saved some money for each kids, sat them down at the end of March and told them they can either take the money to start a business, use that for undergrad, or use that for grad school. The moment the kids realized the money is theirs, they picked the public schools over pricier privates.</p>

3

<p>OMG I would say go to Dartmouth! It seems like Dartmouth has such a better community feel and smaller class sizes (guessing there actually...) and just way cooler than the UW. Plus, you'll be schmoozing with WAY smarter people. And Seattle gets sooo lame after a while. </p>

<p>Alternatively, DON'T GO TO DARTMOUTH so I can get off the waitlist. : )</p>

4

<p>
[quote]
After graduation, I'm looking at attending either business school or law school. My parents, as supportive as they are, are drawing the line here, and will not pay for postgrad expenses even if I save cash by going to UW

[/quote]
</p>

<p>I would re-open negotiations on this point.</p>

5

<p>I would still go to Dartmouth, particularly if you want to get into higher levels of business. It will expose you to far greater opportunities.</p>

6

<p>Maybe I see things differently, because $30-50,000 is a lot of money to my family. I go to Amherst College and I think that it provides the very best academic experience in the country along with Dartmouth and perhaps five other schools. That said, I receive a lot of financial aid, and could never dream of spending 50k on any school, even my own beloved one, even if my family could afford it (well, maybe if we were multi-millionaires). When I think of the things I would do with 50k, I imagine skiing to the South Pole and sailing around the world and trekking in the Himalayas or, maybe if I feel more practical, building my own home. The possibilities are absolutely incredible, multiply that by four years and it is just staggering. So, while I would never outright suggest someone forego their dream, for me it is just unimaginable to spend so much money on a school when there are fantastic offers available for two hundred thousand dollars less.</p>

7

<p>Spend a night in Dartmouth before you make a decision. If you love it then you have a decision to make. If your parents can afford it and you love the school, it is worth it. If they both seem a good fit then go for the cheaper one. There will be differences in class sizes. I have one student at Pomona and 1 at a state honors college. Very different experiences. You will do great wherever you choose. Best of luck.</p>

8

<p>while Dartmouth is extremely strong in econ, a RATIONAL business decision says it ain;t $200k better than U-Dub. This really is a no-brainer.</p>

9

<p>No getting aid at Dartmouth doesn't narrow down the financial impact enough for me to comment on finances! No aid could mean they make about $150,000 per year, and be saving $10,000 per year after all expenses and debt service, or it could mean they are rich!</p>

<p>If the cost of Dartmouth is more than they are saving for retirement each year, I'd say strongly consider UW. If, on the other hand, the extra $30,000 for dartmouth just means they save <em>less</em> during those four years, I'd suggest Dartmouth.</p>

10

<p>I think the fact that she posted this thread in the first place suggests that paying for Dartmouth wouldnput a strain on their family.</p>

11

<p>Thanks for the replies, everyone. :) I'm still really undecided, but I'm definitely going to go visit both (UW for the millionth time, lol) and spend some time talking to students at both schools.</p>

<p>As far as putting a financial strain on my family, I don't know. My parents have planned very well for college, but the bulk of the bill will be paid for through investments in real estate that they have made. With the housing market as uncertain as it is (it's a little better in Seattle), this makes me a bit nervous. They are almost disturbingly nonchalant about this whole financial business; my mom joked just the other day that she would have no objections if I went to Dartmouth so long as I promised to eat my veggies. :P</p>

<p>Sometimes, I wish they were just a little more opinionated when it comes to this, but they keep telling me it's my decision. Blessing and a curse, I suppose.</p>

12

<p>Washington is one of the nation's top 50 universities. Fiske assigns it an academic rating of ****1/2. Is it as good as Dartmouth? No, it isn't. But is Dartmouth $150k better than UDub? I am not sure it is, unless if one is truly very wealthy. Even if the OP does not see that money, he still owes it to his folks to take it easy on their pockets. </p>

<p>This said, if your parents are ok with your going to Dartmouth, that means they are able to weather the financial storm. </p>

<p>It is a tough decision, but against my better judgement, and assuming you like the Dartmouth campus, I would say go to Dartmouth.</p>

13

<p>Normally I would recommend that you go with the less expensive option, but something in your recent post changed my mind. That your parents seem to be undisturbed by the financial commitment, to the point of making jokes, says to me (as a parent) that they are well prepared for this financially. Try directly asking how much they've saved or where they will get the money for Dartmouth. Explain all of your concerns to them, ie younger sibs, etc. </p>

<p>We don't always like to give financial info to our children, but when we tell them it's okay to spend money on something, it is. </p>

<p>BTW--give your parents a big THANK YOU for making it possible for you to live your dreams, either at UW or Dartmouth.</p>