<p>My parents make a lot of money compared to the rest of the country. We live in the Bay Area, so its less valuable money, but still a lot. Enough to pay for my brother's and my education. I did not fill out a FAFSA or apply for financial aid (I wouldn't, even if I didn't know that they would laugh in my face if I did, because that money could go to someone more needing). Anyway, UCSD is offering me a full ride, while I've gotten into UPenn and CMU. I would rather go to UPenn or CMU, which are not giving me any money. Should I take SD, even though my parents can pay for the other two? I plan to go on to grad school. I know that we're wealthy enough, but sucking $200,000 away from my parents seems like a horrid thing for me to do. What should I do?</p>
<p>Wow! A student actually concerned how much their parents are spending. I knew there had to be some of you on here.</p>
<p>All kidding aside, I am very pleased to see such a mature and responsible question. Most of the time I find myself banging the drum of take the full ride, the extra cost isn't worth it. However, if your situation is as described; and your parents have no problem putting down 200k...</p>
<p>TAKE THE MONEY AND RUN!</p>
<p>Personally I found the CMU campus kind of depressing, but it may have just been the time of year I visited there. I'm certain either would be a fantastic experience.</p>
<p>You're right scottaa. I live in pittsburgh and the CMU/Pitt campuses are pretty worn out and depressing. Education is excellent which is what matters but I don't think I could stand 4 years there :)</p>
<p>I'm a UCSD alumn-- so I've a bit biased. But it's a great education, a beautiful campus (where else do they have dorm rooms with ocean views?), best weather in the country-- and the price is very right.</p>
<p>Consider visiting UCSD if you haven't, and working a deal with your parents whereby you 'save' them 200K and jointly invest the money you would have spent on the other schools. Then graduate with a degree from a great school AND have the proceeds from the investment.</p>
<p>take the full ride...</p>
<p>IF money is not an issue; Why make it an issue? Go to the school you think can be the most [intellectually] rewarding to you.</p>
<p>Money's always an issue, even when a family can afford it.</p>
<p>On another level, you can look at the problem as wealth transfer. </p>
<p>If you go to UCSD, the State of Calif is paying for some of your education. On a Full-Ride situation, the nice taxpayers of Calif are not only providing an education subsidy but also paying you to attend UCSD. There will be some people in Calif who resent paying you this education and can ill afford this tax, especially since you can more than afford a college of your choice both academically and monetary. </p>
<p>Conversely, If you attend CMU (we are CMU parents), without aid, then you will transfer your wealth to those who Need or else Merit that aid. CMU has admitted that COA increases are partially used to provide merit and need aid and those who can afford this education should pay for it. CMU apparently believes its quality of education deserves this status. (Its now too late for you to apply for Merit aid. You could have qualified and received perhaps a token amount of which you have the option to accept or reject that aid.) </p>
<p>So can you see that the reason for you Not completing the FAFSA is a faulty reason. Either choice in the college will affect someone that is in need. </p>
<p>Eliminate the money issue: You are lucky enough to be able to ignore that issue and you can choose by whatever trite reason you may have. Now, which university would you attend? </p>
<p>Lucky you, and good luck.</p>
<p>Suppose that your family is high income (my guess). </p>
<p>Now suppose that your family is rich. Would your decision be affected?
If your family is wealthy. Would the decision change?
If your family can't count that wealth (there are those who can't), Is there a change in your attitude?</p>
<p>Ignore the money issue.</p>
<p>Goto UCSD and enjoy SanDiego and the beautiful campus and environment.</p>
<p>Save your money for Grad School. Thats where you will really need help to pay for it.</p>
<p>Don't let money persuade you to go to a college that's not right for you. If your parents can afford it, pick the college that is best for you.</p>
<p>i cannot agree more with "itstoomuch" - don't make money an issue when it's not an issue. you're very lucky. make your decision based on what school you truly like most, where you can see yourself living and growing as an individual. I have not visited the other schools, except UC San Diego and I can tell you the campus is indeed beautiful. however, the social life is pretty depressing, definitely not much happening.</p>