<p>Hello! I am a future CS major searching for a college. I am looking for a strong CS program at a liberal arts college, preferably in the Midwest. I have many interests beyond computer science, so the opportunity to explore other disciplines while at college would be ideal!</p>
<p>I have a 4.0 weighted GPA (about 4.115 weighted), and scored 33 on the ACT (though I plan to retake it for a higher score). I am in plenty of ec activities, and hold a strong leadership position at my school. I also like to think I'm skilled at writing essays, but I guess we'll find out. :b</p>
<p>What I am looking for is a small to mid-sized school. I would love to see classes such as artificial intelligence, video game design, or software development. I really enjoy the innovative and creative side of CS, and it would be fantastic if I could find a university that supports that.</p>
<p>Currently, my top choice is Carnegie Mellon, since they have such a focus on combining computer science and creativity. However, due to the distance, selectivity, and lack of merit aid, this isn't the most realistic option. Do you know of any similar programs (but perhaps not as well-known or rigorous) that may be a bit closer to home and a bit less expensive?</p>
<p>Bonus points if the school has courses in creative writing or has a marching band. ;)</p>
<p>Thank you so much for taking the time to read this! I would really appreciate any suggestions you have. Thank you again!</p>
<p>Are merit scholarships or low cost needed, or would good need-based aid work?</p>
<p>If you are female, Barnard may work; its convenient access to Columbia means that being a small LAC won’t be limiting in terms of course offerings. But it is not in the midwest.</p>
<p>You can do considerable exploring at many big universities. LACs’ primary advantages are in smaller classes at the frosh/soph levels. However, the selection of junior/senior level courses is often smaller, although LACs with convenient cross registration agreements with big universities can somewhat address that problem.</p>
<p>I would prefer somewhere that offers merit scholarships or has a lower tuition, because my parents probably make enough that I would not qualify for much need-based aid, if any at all.</p>
<p>I am female, yes. I can certainly research Barnard!</p>
<p>Hmm, I had not considered that before. I can look into that option.</p>
<p>How low does the net price (after scholarships) need to be?</p>
<p>Unfortunately for you, Barnard does not have merit scholarships. Although you can certainly try the net price calculator to see what it may offer you in need-based aid.
<a href=“General Policies | Barnard College”>http://barnard.edu/finaid/general-policies</a>
<a href=“http://barnard.edu/headlines/use-our-net-price-calculator”>http://barnard.edu/headlines/use-our-net-price-calculator</a></p>
<p>DePaul University in Chicago has a very strong CS program with many class options that could cover your requirements. They would give you their highest scholarship and honors based on your scores - my S got them. </p>
<p>University of Tulsa comes to mind - Probably bigger than some LACs, but has a D-I football program and marching band as well as programs in writing. Beautiful campus and extremely nice people there.</p>
<p>Look into Carleton College (yes AI, Prog. :Lang design, software design, computer graphics) and St Olaf, I see a notice on the Carleton site to go over to St. Olaf for a Data Mining symposium. I think St. O has a lot of musical offering including a large band,
<a href=“http://apps.carleton.edu/curricular/cs/”>http://apps.carleton.edu/curricular/cs/</a></p>
<p>Grinell is another one to check out.</p>
<p>Run your numbers through the Net Price Calculators at each college.</p>
<p>Thank you everyone for the suggestions! I will certainly look into all the colleges mentioned!</p>
<p>As far as a financial aid goes, I don’t really have a set number for what I can pay. I’m willing to take out loans, but it would be nice if there were alternatives. I just don’t want to end up paying $60,000 a year for everything, like I would at CMU.</p>
<p>Remember that the amount of federal direct loans (without a co-signer) is limited to about $27,000 total for all four years.</p>