Informal Poll on College vs. Finances

Paying for College
1

<p>With FA offers rolling in, there seems to be cheers and tears in homes of all types across the country. I see from the posts that some students are suffering disappointment and parents are understandably low too. Thought it might be good to know that others are going through this and how they’re dealing with it, as well as let this year’s juniors know what they might be facing. So, if you’d care to share…here are some suggestions?</p>

<li><p>How many of your acceptances have you eliminated due to financial reasons?</p></li>
<li><p>Were any of them “top picks” on your list otherwise?</p></li>
<li><p>What was the total, or average, of student loans and family contributions that would have been required to attend one of these schools next year?</p></li>
<li><p>Are you happy with the college you did choose (or the affordable choices you have left)?</p></li>
<li><p>Knowing what you know now, would you have applied to more financial safeties?</p></li>
</ol>

2

<ol>
<li><p>How many of your acceptances have you eliminated due to financial reasons?
4 out of 7</p></li>
<li><p>Were any of them “top picks” on your list otherwise?<br>
Yes</p></li>
<li><p>What was the total, or average, of student loans and family contributions that would have been required to attend one of these schools next year?<br>
$21,000 - $26,000</p></li>
<li><p>Are you happy with the college you did choose (or the affordable choices you have left)?<br>
Yes, financially very happy, with costs running $4,300-15,600 after financial aid. D’s final choice ($4300) was not a top pick though it was the best program for her field. Her final decision was not totally based on finances.</p></li>
<li><p>Knowing what you know now, would you have applied to more financial safeties? Definitely! We think that underestimated the impact of the economy on awards this year when she chose which schools to apply to.</p></li>
</ol>