<p>If the UMaine discount you are referring to is the New England Regional program, you should note that the discount is off the out of state Tuition and Fees. This leaves you with tuition and mandatory fees of $14,800. The additional room, board, travel, and books and supplies cost estimates listed on the UMaine web site total $12,312. This would leave you with a total cost of $27,112.</p>
<p>If you are getting additional aid on top of that then that is better than UMass, but if that is the only discout you are referring to, your costs are about $4,000 higher than UMass.</p>
<p>UMaine and UNH are your only options for zoology in New England I think, and UMaine has a much deeper discount than UNH. Just keep in mind that if you change majors to something offered at a Massachusetts state school, you will lose this discount.</p>
<p>I looked at Liberty and it is a Methodist affiliated school and I am Jewish and my mom would prefer that I not choose a school with a particular religious affiliation. I agree that I would have a much better chance of receiving merit aid if I apply to schools like Liberty. At Maine, I think I will also get the $6500 Black Bear scholarship and with the Stafford loans, we are looking at about $13,600 out-of-pocket. My parents will be helping me with my loans and I have a 529 plan plus I expect to get the same $2000/yr. Jewish scholarship my brother and sister got available in my town. I may apply to Kent State where I might be a top 25% candidate. Yes, our EFC is about $7700 but it might help me grant money somewhere. Most students take out some loans unless they go to Community College.</p>
<p>You might want to check out SUNY ESF (State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry) in Syracuse. It has a wildlife program, is highly respected, ranked 86 for National universities by US News, and is relatively inexpensive ($15,820 OOS Tuition). R&B is high 1st year (due to new excellent dorm which is required, bu then can drop off quickly as most students go off campus). As far as sports go, ESF is adjacent to (actually on) the Syracuse University campus, and has an extremely close relationship with SU. Students can participate in all clubs and sports (except for Div I Scholarship sports). You can also take up to four courses at SU within your SUNY ESF tuition.</p>