<p>Ultimately, it comes down to an impending life of exorbitant debt (74k + interest over four years, with, mind you- no hopes of a fixed interest rate unless my parents take the PLUS loan) or free ride?</p>
<p>Free ride. Not being in Massive debt = priceless.</p>
<p>And as a parent, I say that in the scheme of life, where you get your undergrad degree isn't going to determine the success of the rest of your life. </p>
<p>My son was accepted at NYU but we haven't gotten the financial aid package yet. I'm not counting on us being able to send him there. OTOH, he was accepted to Rutgers Honors and while he didn't get a free ride. The numbers work out that my cost is the EFC (plus the cell phone and personal expenses of course).</p>
<p>Free ride. Save the money and you can live in Manhattan for a year or two after graduation, if you like.</p>
<p>i chose rutgers over nyu</p>
<p>If you choose Rutgers you will definetly not be the only one there who had to turn down top tier schools (including NYU) simply because they are financially out of reach. In fact, especially in the honors program you will probably find that most people turned down top schools for the realistic pricetag of in-state tuition! Go to accepted students day (in May?) and see if I am not right.<br>
I speak from experience. My son loved NYU and was admitted last year. They gave us zero financial aid. I think at the time it was $43K. It may be more expensive now. He currently attends Rutgers College and is doing very well.<br>
And we got to root for football this year!
Good Luck</p>
<p>not to mention girl's basketball</p>
<p>lol touche</p>