Is Baylor worth the debt for Computer Science? Could go elsewhere debt free

<p>My daughter’s been accepted and is thrilled, but we’d have to borrow around $16-18,000 a year to make it happen on top of her borrowing $5,500 in sub/unsub govt loans. My husband recently left us and I make only $35,000/yr. This is a lot of money to me right now. She could probably attend University of Houston and commute from home and graduate debt free. I think there is value to the college experience she’d have at a school like Baylor, especially with the turmoil at home, that should be considered. The issue is the degree program. I’m not finding much out there to indicate Baylor is more respected than UofH in computer science. I need good advice, because right now my heart breaks for her so much that things in the home have basically robbed her of this opportunity… I might make a bad decision out of emotions. Thanks for any input. </p>

<p>You can always appeal to Baylor Financial Aid. I’m afraid that your situation doesn’t make much sense. Did your daughter receive any merit based aid? That with an income of 35,000 and the government loan should make your borrowing cost only 10,000 to 12,000</p>

<p>UofH is a great school, and if she goes there debt free that is an amazing opportunity. True living at home doesn’t always give the “experience” but it is not 16,000= in loan debt.</p>

<p>Please do not incur this debt. I would see if Baylor comes through with financial aid and then see if you could swing it. If U of H is the only other option, then it will all come out OK. She could involve herself in campus activities and make sure that she gets that part of the experience too. Any other schools that she applied to? I have friends who have similar financial constraints and a private university came through with just $6,000 a year from them.</p>

<p>Here is my 2 cents worth—There is no way a kid needs to come out of college owing 70K or more when they could have gone free. Thats like a modest house payment. Baylor is a wonderful school and we are very excited that my son is going there but the reason he has chosen it is because he got National Merit Finalist and some other smaller scholarships that make it within 2 grand of a full ride. I say take the best deal you get.</p>

<p>Thank you everyone. I will go back to the Financial Aid office to see if there is any way they can get it down to $10,000 or less. If so, we’ll figure out something. If not, well… it’s bye bye dream school. I wish you all well. Thank you for the advice.</p>

I have a son applying to both Baylor and A&M. If she can get into Baylor, she probably could get into A&M or a state school which is much cheaper. I hate that anyone would have to deal with debt upon graduation. (of 70k)