<p>You get a clue. The Ivy league are NOT the most expensive. Here's a list of the Top 10 Most Expensive Colleges in the U.S - only 1 Ivy league is mentioned. <a href="http://most-expensive.net/college-tuition-university%5B/url%5D">http://most-expensive.net/college-tuition-university</a> </p>
<p>And yeah, there are lots of top colleges that are public - UVA, UCLA, USC, UNC, U Michigan just to name a few, which are great alternatives to private schools, but some people want a more competitive atmosphere than their state school offers. Not all states have great state colleges. </p>
<p>I'm applying to Cornell and tuition for NY residents is $20,000, and that's without fin aid...a lot less than most private colleges. And btw, Ivies are pretty generous with fin aid because they have huge endowments.</p>
<p>Don't put words in my mouth.</p>
<p>I never said that they are THE most expensive. If you are the caliber of student who can get into an Ivy, chances are, you can go to a large state school honors college for a LOT less money. No, not all states have good state schools, but many do. </p>
<p>It just bothers me when prospective students make decisions not based on department strengths, tuition costs, etc. But instead they base their decision solely on a name. It's sad, really.</p>
<p>Well, you did say don't waste dough on the Ivies and that people who do are elitists...</p>
<p>Yes, it's true state colleges are great alternatives for people who can't afford private. I am just sicking of people assuming Ivies = most expensive. Private colleges in general are expensive, not just Ivies. I think it's ridiculous how expensive private colleges are...tuition shouldn't exceed $25,000, and that's a lot. </p>
<p>I think it's sad when people base their decisions on just a name, too. I'm actually transferring out of NYU to go to SUNY Binghamton (the state school) unless I get into Cornell (reduced tuition for NYers, plus a program I love) and people think I'm crazy! They're like, why would you leave NYU for Binghamton?</p>
<p>Great choice in Binghamton. Rated #1 in 2007 and #2 this year in Best Value. I wonder what your old pals at NYU will be saying after graduation. Let them have fun paying $37,000 a year. Btw, did the six percent increase in tuition have anything to do with the transfer?</p>
<p>yeah Binghamton is awesome! And most of my NYU friends are paying $52,000, because they're dorming on campus and have meal plans, and I live at home and commute. </p>
<p>No, it has to do with academic/social/personal family reasons I won't go into. My parents don't want me to leave NYU though, but I'm applying for Fall '09 transfer anyhow. Cornell's my #1 though, and $20,000 tuition (w/out fin aid) isn't too bad considering it's a private school. Cornell has an awesome program I'm interested in as well. </p>
<p>Bing is my safety, but I'd be more than happy to go there.</p>
<p>Well good for you. You do what you want to do. The only thing that I would keep in mind is that if mom and dad are the main source of tuition(not saying they are) then what will happen if they won't pay for Cornell? </p>
<p>Haha at the last paragraph. Have no fear, those same NYU grads will quickly develop a drug habit before graduation, and spend every measly penny they make on a quick fix. Ahh, the beauty of art!</p>
<p>Haha I deleted the last part b/c I posted something similar once, and people got REALLY mad. Crazy internet loonies :)</p>
<p>My parents pay for tuition (I have a job, but it's $12/hr, so...) and they're actually fine paying for Cornell. My dad is a Dartmouth grad and is prestige-obsessed himself. It's Binghamton they don't like, but if I tell them I'm not going anywhere else, they will pay for it, because their worse fear would be for me to dropout. Although Bing tuition is like $5,000, and I can do that with loans.</p>
<p>"And yeah, there are lots of top colleges that are public - UVA, UCLA, USC, UNC, U Michigan just to name a few, which are great alternatives to private schools, but some people want a more competitive atmosphere than their state school offers. Not all states have great state colleges."</p>
<p>USC is NOT public.</p>
<p>Haha yeah, I'm sure there's a lot of students on this forum that may find that mildly offensive.</p>
<p>Anyhow, good luck with Cornell!</p>
<p>
[quote]
USC is NOT public.
[/quote]
and your point is...</p>
<p>ghostfire - No, not Southern Cali, I'm talking about U. South Carolina, which is a top-public school. Same initials so I understand the confusion. </p>
<p>thanks joeblow</p>