how much debt do you guys think is worth an ivy or ivy caliber

College Search & Selection
21

<p>
[quote]
for some reason, I sense you are probably one that did turn down a more affordable option and are taking out massive loans just from your post, b/c u seem so adamant about ur pt. I am sorry, in my book, to take out a 70,000 loan to go to Vanderbilt and turn down Cal Berk is a lil nutz. I think you will find the same exact opportunities at both places.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>It's not all about potential opportunities. If a die-hard conservative had a choice between Cal and Vandy, it could be worth the debt to attend Vandy and avoid feeling ostracized on campus. It's fine if YOU don't understand the point of taking out loans in the name of a good fit. Money is apparently a big consideration for you. Now, just wake up and realize what works for you is not neccessarily what works for others.</p>

<p>Just FYI, I did turn down an affordable option (UVA) but am not taking out any loans to go to Duke. Don't make assumptions. People can defend a point without being personally vested in it.</p>

22

<p>B/c of the potential of having a degree from a top school, in terms of getting into a top grad school, getting a good job, having a high salary...I'm with Trigger - any amount is acceptable. However, i think if you know you aren't going to work your butt off in college, you should go someplace w/ less debt, b/c a degree from a top school is not worth nearly as much w/o a high GPA.</p>

23

<p>Occidental
The average financial aid package for students in 2003-04 was $26,926</p>

24

<p>The question would be how much of that aid package is made up of loans?</p>