I love both programs but don’t know if Columbia is worth the money. I have all the expenses covered at Fordham and no aid at Columbia. I’ve heard the honors program is super intense/prestigious but I don’t know if I should pass up Columbia. I applied to Fordham last minute as a backup and didn’t expect such a good offer. Now I don’t know what to do. Any information on either program would be super helpful.
Hi! Congrats on both your acceptances. If money is the concern, try reaching out to CU financial aid office. Often CUSP scholars (which includes Kluge scholars) receive grants to replace financial aid. I’m not sure how exactly these grants are doled out but it can’t hurt to see what an appeal might do, especially as a Kluge scholar.
Columbia University total annual COA is about $77,000.
For a four year degree, the total COA will exceed $308,000.
Sure Columbia is in a super elite class with the University of Chicago and other Ivies & Ivy equivalents, but $300,000 + buys a graduate or professional degree at any school in the country.
Fordham is the better option unless you are very wealthy & have readily available funds that will not impact your lifestyle.
What are you interested in studying?
Great question: “What are you interested in studying?”
But, at a cost difference of $308,000 for a 4 year undergraduate degree, does the answer really matter ?
OP: Another reason to take the full ride scholarship offer from Fordham is that the Fall semester may be impacted by the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic resulting in remote learning. Do you want to pay full tuition to Columbia University for the opportunity to study online in your home kitchen or bedroom ?
Of course it does. It’s never a bargain to pursue something that was not your goal in the first place.
Fordham was a last minute safety school. How closely has the OP scrutinized what they offer and what they don’t?
All things being equal. I agree with your point. That’s as long as all things actually are equal.
BTW, I love Fordham and sent my son there.
Deleted.
@Bill Marsh: I am referring to Columbia versus Fordham undergraduate study. Seems like it would only make a difference in this specific case if OP wanted to study business, in which case Fordham is the only choice.
In the real world, $308,000 opens up a lot of doors. So the real issue is whether an undergraduate degree from Columbia opens up opportunities worth at least $308,000 plus interest that a degree from Fordham University Honors does not ? And this issue is only relevant if OP has access to $308,000 for a Columbia undergraduate education without incurring debt or undue hardship.
P.S. According to OP’s other thread on this topic, OP plans to major in film study. In my opinion, there is only one reasonable choice in OP’s case.
I don’t disagree. I just like to be thorough. You know, dot the i’s and cross the t’s. I really don’t know what his goal is, or what he’s interested in because he hasn’t said. For example, he could be interested in Engineering, but Fordham doesn’t offer that.
Plus, it is tough to turn down a super elite school such as Columbia University–but the $308,000 price tag is, for most at least, an overwhelming factor.
Even if the OP can afford Columbia University at full price without incurring loans, why not save the money & interest for graduate school or a substantial down payment on a home ? After all, Fordham University Honors offers one an opportunity for an outstanding education from a well known school.
Thank you so much for your reply! I appealed and am waiting to hear back! 
I heavily agree!! I think at this point I might go to UT Austin (instate) and go to grad school! Tysm for your reply!!
Hi! I appreciate your commitment to being helpful lol! As figured out I currently want to go into film but plan on double majoring in Econ. I think at this point UT Austin (instate) with grad school sounds like my best option. Doesn’t help that my bro pays full tuition at NYU for photography. My parents didn’t luck out to say the least. Tysm!!!
I think I’ll ultimately do this! But you are right it’s almost painful to turn down a great offer especially when it seems like I worked four years for it! But
not stress too much about money! Tysm for your help!!