<p>My D was invited to be an Echols Scholar at U.Va., where we are OOS. She was also accepted at UNC-Chapel Hill, where we are in-state. The cost of U.Va. over four years is more than $100,000 more than the cost of UNC-CH over four years. The advantages of being an Echols Scholar look great--but are they worth $100,000?</p>
<p>Nope. UNC-CH is still a great school.</p>
<p>I’d chose UNC-CH.</p>
<p>If she didn’t get any aid, it means that the financial aid office (if you applied for aid) determined that you are able to afford the full cost of your daughter’s education. Now it is a question whether you want to or not.</p>
<p>NO!</p>
<p>If you can’t possibly pay off 100k before she graduates, you should stick to UNC! Nobody should graduate with that much debt!</p>
<p>From my experience, and the Princeton Review, UVa’s financial aid is amazing! If they think you should fork over 100k, I’m assuming that you have the funds to do so. If this is true, it is up to YOU to determine whether or not UVa is worth that much money. </p>
<p>Have your daughter look at the two schools. Ask her which one she likes more and WHY. If her reasons justify spending 100k, then go ahead.</p>
<p>Even if the family can “afford” UVA tuition, D can likely get a very comparable education at UNC-CH…and then the family can put the savings away for the purchase of a home, other education expenses (grad school???), etc.</p>
<p>No–the two schools are pretty much equal.</p>
<p>Unless you are filthy rich - pick UNC. Even if you can pay the difference, that doesn’t mean you should. UVa is not 100k better.</p>
<p>No, it isn’t.</p>
<p>No - nothing is worth 100k debt except a house, and even then…</p>
<p>My vote is no. My husband was Echols. It was a great experience,but it hasn’t really mattered beyond UVA. The kind of person who receives Echols is probably driven and will be successful no matter where he/she studies:). And, UNC is a great school. Use the money for something else:).</p>
<p>Save the money, and come to UVa for grad school. UVa grad school tuition out of state is reasonable.</p>
<p>Thanks for all your contributions! I should have specified earlier–my husband and I have saved money through frugal living and are paying for undergrad. We don’t have lots of spare cash, but we won’t receive financial aid with only one child in college.</p>
<p>If anyone else would like to add information about Echols Scholars or about comparisons between the two colleges, I would be happy to read it!</p>
<p>APenny, If you don’t have “lots of spare cash”, I would say UNC for sure. Great school. You do not want to put your child in the position of having to potentially financially support you in your later years because you have spent so much on the child’s college education. If you are very wealthy, that is a different story but you do not indicate that is the case. Good luck.</p>
<p>APenny,</p>
<p>I agree with the other posters now that I have become aware of your situation.</p>
<p>While an education is important, UNC is good school and there should be no shame in going there! 100k is a lot and I don’t think most people would consider any college worth that much! Especially for undergrads!</p>