<p>I was just wondering what everyone's thoughts about this are. I am going to be a political science major, and am applying to Macaulay along with several private schools in the Washington D.C. area (George Washington University, American University, etc.) I know it is a little earlier to be asking, considering no school has even accepted me yet, but what would you choose if you were me. Keep in mind that Macaulay is free and the Washington schools are $50,000+ per year.</p>
<p>Undergrad for free in New York City sounds like a good deal to me.</p>
<p>Would you qualify for any aid or merit at those other schools? Or would you be full-pay?</p>
<p>It is hard for me to say right now with financial aid. I am hoping to get merit aid, but many of the schools in Washington do not give more than half tuition in scholarships/grants. But as far as my question goes, consider I am getting a little less than half tuition in scholarships.</p>
<p>Also to kwu, do you still say that knowing the schools in Washington are the best in the country for political science?</p>
<p>Well, then the question is who will be paying for your Wash DC schools? Your parents? Will it be a problem for them?</p>
<p>As long as it is somewhat affordable, my parents have offered to pay for it. But we are in the situation where we make too much to get any real financial aid, but too little to afford the school. The point is, I know that this will really affect my family’s finances, and I have grad school to think about.</p>
<p>My real question is in my case, do you think going into debt is justifiable?</p>
<p>Which CUNY are you applying for Macaulay?</p>
<p>Only Hunter provides housing, so keep that in mind when you are thinking about “free.” Housing in NYC can be steep, which is not included in the Macaulay scholarship (other than Hunter).</p>
<p>So actually you have to look at the true bottom line once you receive all of your financial aid offers.</p>
<p>“Going into debt”</p>
<p>Yikes…how much debt are you talking about?</p>
<p>Are you talking about typical federal student loans…like about $5k per year…or are you talking about big student loans…like $15k per year?</p>
<p>If you end up with $20k in debt total for undergrad, that’s not bad. If you end up with $60k in debt…that’s really bad.</p>
<p>But, I have to ask…why are your only choices…MHonors for free…or… WashDC school for lots of money?</p>
<p>What about other options? What about other schools that will give you more merit for your stats?</p>
<p>What are your stats?</p>
<p>What is your intended career with a Poly Sci major? Law?</p>
<p>I appreciate your help. I think it is premature to start thinking about financial aid at this point when I have no offers from any school. But you asked some good questions I will have to think about. Thank you</p>