<p>S and I visited UMich last Friday. This was the first time we visit. We were both impressed by the school. It is huge but beautiful. The program was so well organized and the students and staff were incredible.</p>
<p>S was accepted into CoE. He immediately fell in love with UMich. The problem is the cost. We were OOS and offered with literally nothing, just $3,500 loan. The financial aid director said for OOS, their policy is to leave $10,000 to $15,000 gap after EFC. Our EFC is about $29,000, so the gap for us is $10,500 ($43,000 - $29,000 - $3,500)</p>
<p>S has received merit scholarship and better aid package from other schools. We showed him, but he told UMich do not match any from any school.</p>
<p>Is this true? We are so depressed by the tone of the director. He was so rude.</p>
<p>S has better aid package from Carnegie Mellon. We will decide between UMich and CMU. Any suggestions?</p>
<p>It's pretty well known that UM doesn't give money to OOS students, at least to those who are middle class. My daughter didn't even apply there for that reason. The school is very popular and that is why it doesn't need to offer money to attract out-of-staters. CMU is an excellent school with many well-respected programs, but your son will not find the school spirit of UM, to say the least. Did you visit CMU? My daughter attends Pitt, which is next door. The Oakland area of Pittsburgh is great for students. It may not be Ann Arbor, but the kids have fun there and there's plenty to do.</p>
<p>We will be in debt either way, UM or CMU, but we will have larger debt for UM. Money is not a big concern, we just think UM is too big. S might get too much into fun but not get enough from the academic. CMU is much tougher in their academic education.</p>