My son was accepted into Northeastern IN program and is interviewing for University of Delaware World Scholars. We did not receive any financial aid for Northeastern and he received a generous scholarship from UDEL. Northeastern would cost more than twice as Delaware and with the World Scholar program he would get to go abroad twice. Has anyone faced this decision? Thoughts?
To me, this is a no-brainer.
Delaware all the way.
Academically, these two schools are on roughly the same level (NEU has much higher USNews rankings only because they game it heavily and let in a bunch of kids who’s stats aren’t reflected in the USNews stats).
Unless the extra cost would be easy for you, UDel seems the way to go. The NUIN (at least when mine was offered it) also was even more expensive than regular NU. Does U Del have the major of interest? Mine went to a less expensive alternative.
My kid was definitely disappointed, especially when he say others from his HS able to make decisions without financial concerns. Most kids really like NU, but the friend that went ended up disliking the school and leaving.
Many people have faced a similar decision. There may be some tippy top schools that would be worth the extra money (depending on post college plans) but not sure that NU vs U Del is one of those situations.
Does he have any other options?
In terms of affordability, he could also choose UCONN or SUNY Binghamton. He got into University of Rochester, but they are also twice the price of the others.
I would have him look at his affordable schools and choose. Sorry the anticipated financial aid or merit money did not come through.