I am helping my son’s friend apply to colleges, as his parents seem pretty clueless about it.
His stats: 3.8 unweighted GPA with mostly honors classes and 3 AP classes, 30 composite ACT. He is pursuing medical school, so probably a biology major and doesn’t want to spend a lot for undergrad, his parents will pay up to $15-20k per year, and he is hesitant to take out loans because of big med school loans down the road. He is in-state for Utah, but doesn’t want to go to the U of U, as he would need to live at home and wants more of a traditional college, living in the dorms, etc. experience.
Any advice for out of state schools where he could get some merit aid or make up the difference by working over the summers/ part-time during school?
He would need nearly a full tuition award, so that his parents contribution could cover room, board, books, fees and travel and a small remaining part of tuition.
for his stats, Alabama would give him a 2/3 tuition award, so his remaining costs would be close to $20k per year, maybe lower if he chooses the “standard doubles” dorms instead of the private suites.
The COA includes the pricey private suites, so the cost drops significantly if regular dorms are chosen.
The 2/3 tuition award (which is increased as tuition increases) is about $17k per year. this is assured for stats if he applies before the Dec deadline and the app is easy.
however, if he majors in Eng’g or comp sci, then he’d get FREE tuition PLUS 2500 per year. Remaining costs would be quite low.