Hi everyone, I was recently accepted into my dream school, the University of Michigan. After receiving my financial aid package, they are offering 27K, their tuition is 33K. But I also got into GVSU and I only need to pay 1K out of pocket for the year. Should I go to the “free school” or the more pricey dream school?
How much are your parents willing to pay? Could you possibly negotiate more aid from UMich? Obviously UMich and GVSU are VERY different. Talk with your parents about your financial situation.
Can you and your family afford the 27k without too many loans? That’s the biggest question. If you can and it’s really your dream school I’d say go for it.
What do you like about GVSU? Can you see yourself there for four years? What do you want to major in?
So does your financial aid include loans? You can only take out $27,500 over 4 years.
Because of the virus many families are going to need more help going to college. Have your parents start taking to them now
Like today. Good thing with Michigan is they care and do have the money.
Gvsu has become a “hot” school in Michigan
Some kids that get into Michigan go there.
But if it’s only $6,000/year difference and depending on your major, I might choose Michigan.
You can make up the $6,000" difference with work study (is this part of the package? Are they counting that now?)
Plus maybe some summer work
Getting off the meal plans in sophomore year or taking a lessor one (trust me the big package no one eats that much. Can help. Living off campus can help decrease costs if you live with other students.
Most books are pdf or online depending on your field. Both my kids by used books in great condition.
So you can close that gap a bit. If in something like engineering you can make that up with an internship. Don’t count on it but it’s nice when it happens.
What is your major or interests?