<p>After visiting Lafayette a couple of weeks ago he likes the Easton campus over Muhlenberg.</p>
<p>Problem... Lafayette would cost $48K...Muhlenberg with Academic help would be $35K
My son feels the Lafayette guys may br more into sports while he is a bit concered the Muhlenberg guys are more into the arts. He also likes the big rivarly between Lafayette and Lehigh. He was however impressed with the Bio program at Muhlenberg and did like the school.. So do we spend the big bucks or will it be worth it in the long run to spend less at Muhlenberg?</p>
<p>BOSTONSPORTS,</p>
<p>Honestly, I don't think anyone can make that decision but your son. Choosing a college is a very personal decision. While the finances should certainly be of some concern, the issue at hand is perceived satisfaction. Is your son leaning one way or the other? What are his (I'll say it again, and again, and again...) gut reactions? What strikes him most about both schools?</p>
<p>I agree with the bulk of your commentary, BOSTONSPORTS. It is one tough decision, to be sure, but also one which your son in my mind cannot lose.</p>
<p>I know my post really didn't answer your question, but I hope it gives him something to keep in mind as he considers the merits of two great colleges.</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>
<p>Thanks Justin, My son prefers Lafayette but not sure by how much which is why the dollar issue comes into question. Again we were very impressed with Muhlenberg's science ( Bio) program and its facilities Your comments on the same for Lafayette( program in general) as the building for Bio appears outdated.</p>
<p>BOSTONSPORTS,</p>
<p>Yes, Kunkel Hall does seem a bit dated from the exterior (it has that 1969 "flair"). However, it does have modern laboratory facilities and technology (electron microscopes, tissue culture suites, a controlled environmental room, a refrigerated ultracentrifuge, a gas chromatograph, greenhouses, and more). Also, the opportunities for research are there.</p>
<p>The faculty sizes/course offerings are very similar at both schools. Yes, the Shankweiler Biology Building is newly renovated, but I might add that Lafayette intends to build a new Life Sciences Center starting in the Fall of 2010 as part of our Strategic Planning Initiative.</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>
<p>yeah, kunkel as a building isn't so great, but the people who are there often do great things.</p>
<p>as a financial aid recipient (but not enough) I can definitely empathize with you on the cost issue.</p>
<p>one thing to consider for laf is that once you've paid that huge tuition, there's really no reason to spend much money
i've been to dc twice, texas, nashville, boston, etc and the school has paid for all of it. I've been to dc on field trips (one was overnite) and to the other places with the spech and debate team.
also we have lots and lots of subsidized entertainmne-t movies, live bands, etc.
i'm not really familiar with muhlenberg so i don't think i can make that much of a comparison</p>
<p>ironically enough, i know one guy at laf whose twin goes to muhlenberg sry if this isn't much help, but good luck!</p>
<p>In the final analysis my son convinced us Lafayette is the place for him. He had a great feeling this summer and it was bolstered by the perspective new student's day. Contributing factors include well rounded student body, beautiful campus, impressive academic program (we think stronger national reputation than Muhlenberg) and the Lafayette-Lehigh rivalry. I guess we will never know if spending less to go elsewhere would have been worth it. All we care at this point is that he has a great 4 years at Lafayette.</p>
<p>BOSTONSPORTS,</p>
<p>Congratulations to your son for making the big college decision! You must be so proud of him. </p>
<p>As always, feel free to direct any questions my way.</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>
<p>Bostonsports - Our daughter came down to a choice between Muhlenberg, Gettysburg and Lafayette. She won great scholarships at both Gettsyburg and Muhlenberg that made them both less expensive than Lafayette. Also she was recruited to play sports at both those schools. She was awarded the Marquis Scholarship at Lafayette and this coupled with the environment, student profile, academic opportunitiy and reputation won her over. She may try to walk on to play sports at Lafayette, but we were proud that she chose academics over sports. It is always a tough decision for all the kids. We were happy to spend some more money for what we think is greater value. I think she made the right call and I think your son did as well.</p>
<p>I am never happy to spend any money, Pitt81! But, I do think that Laf has a much stronger rep than Muhlenberg, and especially over Gettysburg College. Also, I think Lafayette has a classier "feel" than both of those options. Now, to the original question: is it worth $48,000? No, no school is worth what will be $250,000 in four years. Is that the going rate? Yep - so unless you like the cheaper options, them's yur choices as they say. </p>
<p>My kids liked Lafayette better than Notre Dame, which very much surprised me. They felt the atmosphere at LC was more academic than the sports-uber-allis feel at Notre Dame.</p>