<p>My d has applied to ND. She was deferred at Princeton. However, she can attend a very good state university (Barron's ranks it Most Competitive) for free...as opposed to $40,000 for ND. We would have paid the $ for Princeton, but is it worth it going into hock for ND? We don't expect any financial aid. Please let me know your thoughts.</p>
<p>My reason for wanting my d to go to ND is that, although she will be far, far away from home, I just have the feeling that ND will become a second family to her, and I just have a good feeling that she will be well taken care of.</p>
<p>Also, you're putting on some heavy expectations about a school--any school--becoming "second family." What if it doesn't? It may, but it's an absurd expectation. Not that I think about, what are you looking for in "family" experience...nurturing or insulation? ND seems to provide more of the latter than the former.</p>
<p>According to PR's BEST 351..., some students don't think ND is the most female-friendly place in the world.</p>
<p>TheDad, it's not an absurd expectation at ND. I don't think any school of it's caliber or size offers the family atmosphere of ND. And what makes you think ND provides insulation over nurturing?? As a parent of a current ND student, I wouldn't use either of those terms to describe the ND experience. "Supportive" or even "Extremely Supportive" would be very accurate descriptions, from other students to faculty to dorm staff.</p>
<p>MommyPain, we had almost the same situation as you. Making those tuition payments to ND is definitely tough. Good luck in your decision.</p>
<p>Since your daughter is apparently competitive at Princeton, there's some chance she'll earn a merit award at ND. I really like many things about ND, but if you are comparing free vs. $160K you'll want to weigh the decision carefully in view of family finances, whether your daughter will have large loans when she's done, etc. In depth visits to the schools are essential. Good luck!</p>
<p>No, it's The college of New Jersey. My cousin and his wife graduated Notre Dame, then went to I think Yale for his medical degree. He RAVES about ND.........can't say enough good things.</p>
<p>Princeton seemed very homey and nurturing, as did Wake Forest. We didn't get that feeling at UNChapel Hill or Duke. She applied last minute at ND as the coach actually contacted her three days before we got the defferal letter from Princeton. A good friend from town's daughter just started ND and loves it.........in fact ND actually has a bus that goes back/forth from NJ to ND at Xmas time (not sure the price...but it probably beats flying).</p>
<p>We are an Irish/Catholic family, not that it matters, but I just feel that if my D is going to be that far away from home, I want to have a good feeling about it, which is what I think I have about ND. Maybe that's ignorance, I don't know.</p>
<p>Again, though, there is the consideration between a free ride and $40,000 a year (although even if we got some $$ from ND, how much could it really be, like $8,000 or so????? that still leaves $32,000 a year, plus three other kids to put through college).</p>
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<p>Notre Dame DOES NOT give merit scholarships</p>
</blockquote>
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<p>In the past, being designated a "Notre Dame Scholar" had grant money attached and seemed to result in a lower EFC than comparable schools. There was another thread that suggested that now it was more of an honor, but that preferential aid might still result. I guess the definitive resource would be the ND aid office.</p>
<p>There's been a more general discussion of this very topic: Free</a> Ride vs. Prestigious School. For middle income families with a well-qualified student, this is a common dilemma. Middle income folks often don't find high tuition affordable, yet don't qualify for lots of grants.</p>
<p>My recommendation would be:
1) Complete all aid forms for ND (and any other colleges applied to) - merit aid is often contingent on completing finaid paperwork.
2) Contact the ND financial aid office, explain that you are concerned about affordability if your daughter is admitted, and ask if there are any private or other scholarships she should check into.
3) Hope for the best - admission AND a decent aid package.</p>