<p>Hi.
I was wondering if anyone had any insight on merit award comparsions between in-state universities?</p>
<p>My son has applied to University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, but I was wondering if he should apply to University of Minnesota-Duluth as well to see if we would come out better financially? </p>
<p>I would like my son to go to a in-state school if possible.
Does it make sense to apply to both schools (assuming they meet my son's needs)? FYI. Duluth is a smaller campus, less students.</p>
<p>Duluth undergrad count = 9184
Twin Cities undergrad count = 28703</p>
<p>thanks,
jasper</p>
<p>We are not from Minnesota, but S applied to 5 instate schools in our state. He got merit awards from full ride+ to a big fat zero. So, yes, the numbers can vary greatly.</p>
<p>"So, yes, the numbers can vary greatly."</p>
<p>OK, thats what I wanted to know.</p>
<p>thanks!</p>
<p>jasper</p>
<p>Why not to apply to more schools in-state. We are from different state, but D. applied to in-state only and got a lot of Merit $$ at each, so she had made a choice based on academics.</p>
<p>I'd look at other in-state schools too.</p>
<p>My brother went to UM-D as an undergrad and he said he really would not recommend it as far as a four- year "college experience" goes. His opinion was that people moved off campus quickly and had little school spirit. The main U has more of a typical "big-college experience" feel to it. (Nothing against Duluth! My sister's daughter loves the College of St. Scholastica there.)</p>
<p>Don't forget about the Minnesota tuition reciprocity with Wisconsin. You might find some great programs at state schools there.</p>
<p>MidwestMom,
Thanks for the insight on UM-D. On the plus side, I would assume lower student to teacher ratios at UM-D?
My son actually prefers the big urban campus. He has an application in at UW-Madison as well. I'm trying to find some safeties just in case enough merit doesn't come thru for either UM-TC or UW-Madison.
thanks again.</p>
<p>If he is interested in a smaller campus with strong programs, he should look at UW-LaCrosse. They are one of the strongest state schools after UW-Madison.</p>
<p>All of the schools you are considering are instate tuition for you. Do not make the decision on the financial cost, look at the academic fit first. Assuming he is accepted into U of M and/or UW they may give him a more challenging, satisfying academic experience than the other schools and would be worth the price. Do not be "penny wise and pound foolish" by looking at the cheapest options- the future benefits of having attended the flagship school may outweigh any scholarships. He can repay loans later, but he can't get the benefits of the better school for him. It may be that any school suits his needs, but if he has stellar academic credentials he may want the peer group found at a flagship U. Do not let the large schools intimidate him or you- the large schools have many more course offerings and other benefits. Do not deny him the UW or U of M experience to save money, none of the other state schools are in the same league. UW-LC would be a good academic safety.</p>
<p>wis75,
you make some good points. Unfortunatelly, UW-LC doesn't have an engineering program.
I spoke with son last nite and he would really prefer the big school campus experience. So UM-TC and UW-Madison make good choices, not to mention their strong engineering programs.
I've heard good things about Iowa state engineering program, but its out of state.</p>
<p>Don't waste much more time analyzing schools since you have some excellent choices already. Do not let the higher costs make you/him choose a lesser school, the education and job prospects will more than pay for the differences in expenses now. Feel lucky, have him get those apps in ASAP and then he'll either have a school for next fall or have time to apply to his second choices (remembering that transferring is an often used option for students here- many do time at other state schools before finishing at UW-Madison).</p>