My D is going for international studies with creative writing as her minor. Which school will best hone her with this course in mind. Any input will be greatly appreciated.
I don’t know about their International Studies program, but Emory offers a wide variety of foreign languages and the student body is quite diverse internationally. Their creative writing dept. has received very positive reviews: our D is graduating with a double major in Spanish and creative writing. The ESL faculty is helping her apply for a teaching position overseas in Asia (currently tutors ESL on campus, has studied both Chinese and Korean at Emory.)
Thank you for the input piccolomom1995.
Two great choices – congrats! IMO these two schools present pretty different environments - a southern urban university v a Midwestern LAC. Unless there is a significant cost differential , I would consider if your D feels that she would be more successful/happier in one of these schools?
Thank you happy1. We just got back from our college trip and saw 3 schools. Aside from Emory and Oberlin, we checked out University of Puget Sound in Washington where she was more connected and liked everything there. They are offering her almost 50% scholarship/financial aid. Emory is offering little help which will put us in $240K expense at 4 years where Oberlin is $200K. UPS is something we can pay as she goes and will be debt free after college. I don’t know and I’m having sleepless nights. One part of me says go to Emory since they rank 20th in the US, but the cost of undergrad seemed to be not worth it with her course. So as Oberlin. UPS might not be in the top tiers but she felt connected in the school with non threatening environment and I see that this will encourage growth and stimulate higher learning and creativity for her. I don’t know and I am lost like many parents. What do you think? I hate debt though.
I am also concerned about the strength of employment coming out of UPS, Emory or Oberlin. I guess this is a valid question from every parent with no intention to offend anyone. Need input guys.
So she likes UPS, it’s your most economical option, she’s likely to thrive there. I say she should go to UPS! It’s a fine school in a beautiful area. The PNW offers lots of opportunities for jobs and internships. You’re not being cheap. It sounds like you’re battling “fit” vs. prestige. If the fit is there, everything else will fall into place.
p.s. post graduate employment and salary figures for Oberlin are terrible - partly due to low earnings for professional musicians trained at the Conservatory and partly because lots of Oberlin grads go on to grad school, and because many are earnest save-the-world types that go on to work for non-profits and the like. There was a recent feature in the NY Times that provided outcomes data for many colleges and universities. I can’t speak to Emory or UPS as they weren’t on our list.
My kid, of course, will be going to Oberlin. 
Perfect fit for her.
I agree with @mamaedefamilia - go to UPS and graduate with no debt and a huge weight off your shoulders. Also, if you blow all the money on undergrad it could close the door for grad school if she wants that. Plus, she likes UPS and Seattle has a good economy.
My cousin graduated from UPS on a scholarship about 10 years ago, saved the money for grad school, and now has a very successful career.
UPS is a good deal, I agree! Having no debt will be a huge game changer for your daughter.
I went to Emory and my sister went to Oberlin. We are both gainfully employed, and your daughter will be fine wherever she goes.
I am glad for you that your D’s first choice is your family’s most affordable. Count your blessings! All that money can be saved for grad school expenses. If she is happy and does well she will be prepared for her next step.