<p>It is not about the sticker price. But actual price paid net of financial aid and scholarships may be affordable or unaffordable, and that can vary a lot between schools of similar sticker prices.</p>
<p>It is about making reasonable reach/match/safety assessments.</p>
<p>For example, if a college is safety level for admissions, but its need-based aid is insufficient according to the net price calculator, and the needed merit scholarships are reach level for the student, then the college is a reach, not a safety. Some colleges with insufficient financial aid and no large enough merit scholarships are out of reach and thus not worth applying to.</p>
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I don’t know where you got this impression. There are thousands of students applying for the same scholarships and the chance of netting one is very slim. Additionally, most of those scholarships are only good for one year. What will the student do without that money the other three years? That being said, there is no reason to preclude applying to a college which is expensive as a reach. But the first school on the application list should be the safety - which you can afford, can get into, and are willing to attend.</p>
<p>I understand that not everyone can afford a fifty-thousand-a-year school. And it is important for those that can’t to think about the pricetag before even considering a school. I am fortunate enough to have successful parents that can provide the best and even encourage me to go to the best. As I said before, money is not a major issue for me. I just wanted to hear from others what they consider to be “good schools” in NYC. I did not ask for a lecture. It’s a topic that must be discussed, but here is not the location.</p>