<p>D was accepted at state school and BU (and others, but these are the two she is choosing from). State school would cost less then half what it would cost at BU. She got into a special community at the state school, but she likes the programs at SAR better. We got no aid, but could swing it if we need to, but is it worth it? What do present students think, esp of SAR (she’s considering health sciences for either pre med or global health masters…)
Thanks!</p>
<p>My D is currently at BU on partial scholarship and no aid. No question, it is expensive. However, I tend to think most private schools come with a decent price tag when paying close to full boat. At the end of the day, D loves it there, loves being in Boston, and is definitely challenged academically. Although, when she graduates, it will seem like we’ve won the lottery! This may leave one to question if any private school is worth the price tag?</p>
<p>Agree! All private schools are expensive. My daughter will be a freshman at BU next fall and it will cost us a bundle. She could attend our state flagship, ranked higher than BU if you believe in rankings, for free because of state scholarship program and prepaid tuition plan. But she loves BU and Boston and really wants to go away to school. She is also an athlete and could not do her sport at our state flagship. The only state school that offers her sport is huge and she does not like it, at all. So, for us, it is worth it. But we will be living very frugally to make this happen for her!</p>
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<p>Yes, but most others give decent financial aid/scholarships</p>
<p>We are happy with the aid we received. It would have been nice to get more, but it is what it is. But we also went into this knowing how financial aid at BU works. They do not promise to meet full need and openly state that they use merit aid to attract the students they really want to see on campus. Using merit aid to entice top students away from higher ranked schools is good for BU. And most other private schools do not offer decent financial aid/scholarships to every accepted student. In fact, very few claim to meet full need and that number is dwindling. Maybe these schools should not be need blind in admissions. But then people would complain they were not accepted because they could not afford to pay.</p>
<p>I am sorry that you did not get the aid you need. I know it is disappointing to be admitted to a school that you cannot attend for financial reasons.</p>
<p>Some other questions you can ask yourself include: is your daughter the type of person to take advantage of the extracurricular aspects of such a school? Part of the reason that BU is so expensive is because we have a ton of academic and social resources. If you don’t think she’s going to take advantage of the opportunities presented, then it might be a waste of money.</p>
<p>You might also consider whether the school she goes to will make a difference when she’s trying to get a job. I honestly don’t know with those fields you mentioned, but I always look at students that have majors like “Elementary Education” and think… why do you pay so much to come here and study that, when you could go to a state school for half the price and get the same thing?</p>
<p>It’s silly for anyone to try to tell you whether or not BU is worth the money without knowing your financial situation, other offers, the academic ability/work ethic of your daughter, and what she wants out of a school/what you want out of a school for her (in case you happen to be one of those parents where this whole process is more about you than your kid–hey, it’s your money). That said, I’d never pay sticker for BU in a million years.</p>
<p>Absolutely not worth the money. Daughter graduated from COM in '09 and has been looking for a job for two years. The BU alums are of no help at all. It might be the current economic climate, but the situation is very distressing. The academics are good at BU, but the lack of school spirit and a poor social climate, environment and crime are all huge negatives. Yes, we did pay full freight all four years. Wish I could get a do over!</p>
<p>I’m not a huge fan of BU in general, but crime really isn’t an issue if you’re careful. Certainly isn’t any worse than any other school in a city.</p>
<p>I don’t know your full financial condition, but it’ll be prudent to pass if you’re going to receive no aid. Makes me cringe just thinking of the costs that will accumulate over 4 years.</p>
<p>As a current student I would like to point out some reasons why I am loving my experience at BU. Yes, it is expensive, but there are incredible resources and activities available to all students. As a freshman I was already involved in multiple clubs that let me pursue all my interests. The academics are challenging, but between my professors and the free tutors offered I am doing very well. This summer I even have an internship which I received through a BU alum in a field I’m interested in and it has been a great experience. I’ve also been in contact with numerous alums who are eager to help me out! As a COM student I was worried about what my employment situation would be after graduation, but since I’ve taken advantage of my resources I am now more excited about the possibilities post graduation. I couldn’t be happier at BU and have no regrets choosing this university as I cannot see myself anywhere else.</p>
<p>It’s great to hear that BU is everything you thought it would be. It just validates my feeling that you really can’t put a price on a good education; this is an investment in my son’s future. At the time of this writing my son is attending orientation with dad. We are from the Philly suburbs, so Boston is only a few hours away. The personality of the school, international student community, hip, urban life(without the in your face NY feel) and quality of education are among the reasons he/we are so excited about his choice in schools. Hopefully it will all work out, but he knows that he has many options and our door always displays the welcome home sign.</p>
<p>Speaking of resources? Does BU have a lot available for students to take advantage of in terms of internships, assitantships, research, etc? Do famous people or people respected their field of study come to visit the campus?</p>
<p>What I am trying to ask is, being in Boston and all, is the BU campus as exciting as being on the MIT or Harvard campus? I figured considering the amazing faculty, that BU would attract top visiting talent and offer amazing opportunities to pursue what one wants to pursue in Boston. </p>
<p>Does the BU command respect in Boston? Cus if so, then it’s really worth the money.</p>
<p>BU is a terrific school, but it is expensive. My D had terrific experiences there and we knew she would take advantages of the cultural opportunities in Boston and the campus student organizations, which she did to the full extent. Financially, we were prepared to pay full sticker, but in the end she received some merit aid that made everything that much better. As wonderful as BU and Bostin is, however, I would not encourage any family to pay full sticker and go into severe debt to attend any school, including BU. There are many state and flagship schools that also provide great educations and great experiences. Good luck to all of your deciding this year!</p>
<p>We just finished orientation and I am even more convinced my daughter made the right choice. There are so many opportunities available and an extensive support system for all students. That said, I don’t think that anyone should take on a lot of debt for undergrad. If your family can afford BU, than go for it.</p>
<p>fishymom … she will love it. The opportunities are endless. Congrats.</p>