^This would be for 2 years. It’s a “branch campus”, the equivalent of a California Community College with a TAG or a SUNYCC with dorm: the students attend for 2 years and if they make the required grades, they finish their work at the flagship campus and receive their degree from there (main difference: it’s not a transfer, but simply the normal process: if they have a required classes and grades, it’s automatic).
Andrew would NOT be able to socialize and party that “at friends’ dorms”. There’s only one dorm, which opened this year. Most students who live there either live too far to commute daily but go home on the weekends, or are international (not many).
However, that set up means Andrew has to choose between commuting for 2 years then living near campus for 2 years, and living 4 years at another college entirely.
@MYOS1634 That explains the 860 on the SAT and Penn State.
IMO, OP shouldn’t be worrying about social life and put all his effort into studying if he wants to get a bachelor’s degree with a decent grade at Penn State in 4 to 6 years.
The equivalency ends with the price, though. A California resident attending a California community college for a year (30 credits) would spend about $1,500 in tuition and fees. A Pennsylvania resident attending a Penn State branch campus for a year (30 credits) would spend about $14,000 in tuition and fees. These do not include living costs, commuting costs, or books.
What Is the CC equiv in OPs state and why is that not a consideration? OP is a CC candidate.
Pennsylvania does have community colleges. How well their offerings cover the frosh/soph courses for the OP’s intended major(s) at target four year schools needs to be researched on the four year schools’ transfer credit web sites. Also, how students from the community colleges are viewed for transfer admission needs to be researched.
It looks like a year at a Pennsylvania community college costs about $4,000 to $5,000 in tuition and fees for a Pennsylvania resident.
Cc pre-reqs are strongly discouraged if the student wants to attend the flagship or a 4-year flagship related campus. The credits transfer seamlessly to PASSHE schools only (poorly funded directionals that do not offer all majors.)
In addition, CCs don’t necessarily offer the academic credits needed - it depends on where op lives.
If the college in question is a commuter college (especially a 2-year one), then living in the dorm is rather pointless. I got my master’s degree from a commuter college with one dorm, and despite the fact that there were non-residential Greek houses, the vibe is totally different than commuting to a traditional residential 4-year campus. I would say 80-90 percent of the students at my university went to school in the mornings and work in the afternoons or vice versa. There were some athletics and clubs and such, but the student body itself isn’t there for socializing.
^yes that’s the situation at Brandywine. That’s why I think Andrew needs to apply to a few residential colleges (as listed before) and then see whether he prefers commuting to Brandywine for 2 years before moving up to the flagship or dorming at another college for 4 years.
@MYOS1634 ^ I don’t see how that can happen. With OP’s likelihood of qualifying for Pell Grant (Yearly income < $50k) and two brothers, he would need a FA-generous residential college that is not likely to be impressed with OP’s SAT score of 860
Right, what OP prefers is really irrelevant, he wants the whole 4 yr uni package on CC stats and CC commuter budget. I wonder how the Brandywine option is even doable as a commuter? They will meet his financial need? Is that confirmed?
All the residential colleges I listed accept students “test optional” and it may be doable with Pell, Stafford, PHEAA, and family contribution. But I can’t see parents paying for a dorm at a commuter college like Brandywine, it’d be wasting money.
Brandywine doesn’t “meet need” and commuting may indeed be the best, cheapest option that allows OP to save enough to pay for the flagship after 2 years.
@MYOS1634
^ it may be doable with Pell, Stafford, PHEAA, and family contribution.
At any income level between $10k and $50k (max for Pell), the sum would be far less than what is needed unless the family has substantial cash asset not matching the income.
I still don’t see residential college as an option without need-based financial aid from the college.
Elizabethtown in particular provides significant financial aid to lower income students. Ursinus, Juniata, Susquehanna, can have decent financial aid too. It really depends on the reasons OP scores so poorly on his SAT (lower-performing school v.lack of effort or skill) and how his academic record stands up to scrutiny.
Brandywine as a commuter may well be the best option for this student. indeed.
Try to get an on-campus job. There is a lot to learn by living on campus - more than in the classroom. Best of luck!
You can get an on campus job and NOT live on campus at a commuter school.
I have decided to commute freshman year,and apply to become an RA sophomore year (hopefully). I think they would be fine with it if all we had to do is pay tuition,but yes I would try to get a job through work study,so I can put everything I save from there to the bill.
@Andrew2018 That seems quite sensible. Look at RA requirements early. Sometimes you need to take a class and sometimes the application process in early. Good luck.
I agree, look at the requirements before you even enroll in any class and arrive on campus.
Find work-study working in the dorm so that people know you (manning the desk?) or in administration perhaps?
Being a RA typically means you need to be elected to student government or Activity Group or other student groups that participate in campus life, work with others, etc. This way you show your skills and bona fide. In addition, taking interpersonal communication and another communication class will certainly help you show that you prepared academically for the task. See if they offer a leadership class, too.
@gearmom Yes,it is called Higher Education 302
Does your school allow you to become an RA if you haven’t lived on campus previously?