<p>I just find it really sad how much of a struggle it is for my family to afford our own state school. UIUC is my dream school, and I am more than happy to have gotten in for computer science. I still may go, but I have to think it over critically of course. It is just very hard to take out 80k in loans over four years to afford the schooling. Does everyone just suck it up at this school? Again its just funny how people over college confidential say "go to your state school to save money", when in reality it is more expensive than most private schools.</p>
<p>It was my son’s number one choice…but he received so little merit aid, that he had to make the hard decision to go with a different school. 
UIUC isn’t our state school…but I can certainly understand your frustration!</p>
<p>I agree completely. UIUC is going to price itself out of the market someday, but currently, they are having record applications (over 10,000 engineering apps for the first time this year). One option is to go to your local juco for a year or two, being careful to get the classes that transfer and move you along to your degree (or check out Parkland who works closely with UIUC). You must get excellent grades, but those grades will transfer in with you. Or if you are interested in eventually going to grad school, I have heard the in engineering, SIUE has a certain major that they place 100% or the kids who graduate from there in UIUC’s engineering grad school. There are ways to do it. Make sure you ask questions of the UIUC admissions people about classes that transfer, etc., etc.</p>