My son is a good student. 1400 SAT, 3.96 GPA, 4.37 Adj GPA. He is undecided on major, but drawn to Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering, and Cognitive/Neuroscience. He is a good writer and a highly sensitive kind young man. To my mind he still has some exploring to do, so I am drawn to the Colleges That Change Lives (CTCL) approach at this time.
CTCL gives St Mary’s high marks. I like the concept of an institution that advocates interaction between students and faculty in a supportive learning environment as opposed to a sink or swim competitive environment. He has already been acceepted to St Mary’s and has been offered significant merit money.
LMU and USD may be better choices if he decides on a clear professional track.
The goal is not to have any significant debt at the end of undergrad.
What are the salient differences between these institutions, philosophy, experience, and aid packages?