<p>I'm in high school and obviously the cost of tuition is a major factor while deciding which colleges to apply to. But is it better to go to a less expensive college or a college that seems like the best fit, even though it may be tougher financially?</p>
<p>Discuss.</p>
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<p>You want to check the net price calculator and available merit scholarships at each school to get an idea of what the net price may be like, as list price tuition may be discounted by varying amounts.</p>
<p>You probably will have a hard limit on the amount of debt for college, since excessive debt can limit your post-graduation life (some financially conservative people want zero debt; others are ok going up to the federal direct loan limit). How much cost matters to you and your parents once you are below the debt limit is something that needs to be considered in context of your academic and post-graduation goals and your family financial situation.</p>
<p>Unless you have unlimited funds Cost will always be a major factor in choosing a college.</p>
<p>There’s no single right answer. It depends entirely on your family’s financial situation and the range of options available to you. Some families are so well situated financially that money is no object, or at best a minor consideration. For others it’s a question of whether college is even a financially feasible option, or of some colleges being (just barely) affordable and others not. Many people are somewhere between those extremes, such that some colleges would require major financial sacrifices while others would be more affordable. Erin’s Dad is probably right that for most people, cost is a major factor, and often a decisive one.</p>
<p>Cost is almost always a controlling factor, even for families who can afford it. I know of several kids who could easily qualify for Ivy level schools, but their parents refuse to pay the price, they think their 34-36 ACT kids should be getting scholarships to go to HYP. And these people have money. So the kids are suddenly scrambling to find schools that will give them merit, which isn’t hard with scores like that, but the kids are awfully mad after being told that Ivies are what they should aim for all their HS career.</p>
<p>I’m also aware of a kid who’s parents have more money than God, yet is going to a school where she outscores the median by 8 ACT points because she wants merit, though she’s not getting a full ride, and insists on being the top student at whatever school she goes to - she can’t handle being middle of the pack at a better school, she’s got perfectionism issues. But she “wins” by getting a cheaper education. It’s really odd.</p>
<p>Money can do strange things to people. Try to find a school you’re financially, socially, and academically comfortable with. Only you and your parents can answer what best fits that equation.</p>
<p>" But is it better to go to a less expensive college or a college that seems like the best fit, even though it may be tougher financially?"</p>
<p>What does that mean for YOUR family? Does it mean going on a cheaper vacation each year? or, does it mean living on PB&J and hoping that no unexpected family expenses pop-up?</p>
<p>Does it mean significant debt for the student or parents? does it mean that it will be harder to fund a younger child’s college costs? </p>
<p>What is the major or career goal?</p>
<p>What makes one college a “better fit” while the other is a “lesser fit”? Are the differences really that significant? </p>
<p>We need more info.</p>
<p>"Some college questions </p>
<p>I am currently a junior in high school and have started the exciting yet overwhelming task of looking at colleges. </p>
<p>I live in Wisconsin and want to become an engineer. Right now I’m interested in civil engineering however a lot can change over the next few years.</p>
<p>My general high school info after sophomore year:
Weighted gpa 4.29
Class rank: 3 out of 356
No varsity sports, but 2 years of soccer and 1 year of track
Student senate, fbla, sadd, nhs
High honor roll
Church volunteer work</p>
<p>The colleges that I’m interested in are below and included are some questions. Sorry for any typos as I’m doing this off my phone.</p>
<p>Uw-Madison: I’ve been to some engineering camps there and am impressed. Also some family members have gone to madison in the past and have nothing but great things to say. The instate discount is great, but it is true that they don’t give out as much financial aid/scholarships? </p>
<p>Georgia Tech: I believe I am visiting Georgia tech sometime in April and am very excited. I’ve heard great things about their engineering program, but I’ve also heard that their workload is rigorous and the surrounding area is lacking as far as social events are concerned. Is any of this true?</p>
<p>Penn: I was also impressed by Penn and their campus looks beautiful. In the engineering rankings and lists I’ve seen, however, they haven’t been ranked as highly as the other schools I’m interested in. Also it’s very expensive, but I hear they do give out a substantial amount of financial aid.</p>
<p>Cal-Berkeley: this school was originally my first choice (these schools are in no particular order) but my counselor told me that they require fine arts credits to apply. God has not blessed me with artistic or musical talents and I only have .5 credits that would be considered fine arts. That being said, it’s a great school and the location seems perfect. </p>
<p>Milwaukee school of engineering (safety school): this is my safety school, and it’s not a bad one to have. I’ve heard that the dorms are extremely crowded and my engineering credits in high school would only transfer over a selective credits. It’s also really close to home, which has it’s pros and cons. </p>
<p>If you attend any of these schools, or know of any other schools I should look into that’d be super helpful! Also if you just can help clear things up it’d be appreciated! Thanks in advance. I’d also like to head where other similar people plan on applying to."</p>
<p>Why do you think these schools are a “better fit”???</p>
<p>What are your parents saying about how much they’ll pay?</p>
<p>For eng’g, it’s not worth paying OOS costs when you have very good alternatives instate or with merit elsewhere.</p>