<p>I am looking for help comparing and contrasting these two schools. Of course Ohio State U is the cheaper way to go (in-state), but UNC-CH's merit money makes it close (not counting for travel). I know that UNC-CH ranks high on US News, but does the honors program at OSU make up for that difference? My S interests are broad, he would like to double major in Science and Business. We are planning a trip to UNC-CH next week and I am told that we will fall in love with their campus. But before we go I wanted to get the CC family's input in these two schools. (Still waiting on UMich Aid letter, so I will wait to add them to the mix later)</p>
<p>Any and all responses will be greatly appreciated.
Thank in advance,</p>
<p>congrats to your son on his choices. OSU Honors is good choice, but I have some reservations about OSU - their 4 year graduation rate is dreadful, and I am not sure about the funding in Ohio. Being in the honors program would probably let him get his classes in good order and graduate on time. </p>
<p>OSU is, of course, enormous. That gives a huge pool of alunmi that might be hiring him in the future. But I know that my son just found it too big. If you son is a rah-rah type (mine is not) he might really like it. He is pretty familiar with the OSU campus - was down there every year since 7th grade with the science olympiad states and it really never clicked.</p>
<p>UNC-CH with merit, out of state is pretty amazing and I am impressed. I like the idea that it is in a different region - but my bias is towards the big boot out of the nest if that is possible.</p>
<p>I can't speak from personal experience about the OSU Honors program other than to say that two of the young men (identical twins) I trained at my hospital were graduates of the OSU Honors program which they related that they enjoyed and were some of our top fellows. Any honors program helps to turn a large school into a smaller environment</p>
<p>One of my D's friends is at UNC-CH as a sophomore and loves it. She chose it over UM.</p>
<p>I actually just received an e-mail from a student in the UM Honors program telling me that she was, overall, disappointed with the program itself and the advising, but felt that she had more than made up for this with her advising and mentoring within her chosen major. She is doing research as an undergraduate and has fallen in love with the field.</p>
<p>So, can only speak anecdotally. I'd recommend "going with his gut." I'll be surprised if UM's FA/merit offer is commensurate with UNC-CH. UM is pretty stingy unless you are a minority.</p>
<p>" . . . it is a southern school with a southern feel . . . "</p>
<p>Well, deb, Chapel Hill IS considered "the Southern part of Heaven."
All the more reason to go to Chapel Hill! ;)</p>
<p>NorthcoastDad, I know nothing about Ohio, but I don't think you can go wrong with UNC. It's certainly lived up to its promise and expectations here, and -yes- you will fall in love with the gorgeous campus and Chapel Hill itself! As you know, Kenan-Flagler ranks very high. Our daughter is finishing up her freshman year at UNC now and has had a wonderful year. PM me if you'd like more of my (obviously biased) opinion! And enjoy your visit.</p>
<p>Edit: I'm also curious about the merit you mention. With the class of 2010 and forward, the majority of merit scholarships for out of state students at UNC will be full freight. Recent legislation treats out of state merit scholarship students as in-state--therefore making [most] of those full freight awards.</p>
<p>I plead insanity, Jack! It was early when I posted. My point and the one that I keep telling my own S as he is trying to make a decision, is that all things being equal "fit" is what he should look for.</p>
<p>My S and I talked to the GC counselor yesterday and he told us, my S has no bad choices, he will be happy where every he goes. My S needs to go to the school where he thinks he will be happiest. Of course, my S has no idea where he will be happiest, but the point is that he'll be happy and be well educated where ever he goes.</p>
<p>Northcoast, you S has a enviable choice. Can't they choose more than one. It would make my life easier.</p>
<p>Jack: maybe I used the wrong term, what I should have said was Financial Aid (Grants). Should I be concerned about the aid being grants? If my finances do not change, could the amount of the grant change next year, where as the scholarship from OSU is for 4 years.</p>
<p>NorthCoastDad: Thanks for the clarification. I really don't know how their grants work, but I would talk to the financial aid office when you're visiting. They're all very helpful and could answer any concerns/questions by phone, too, though might be easier to meet with them since you'll be here.
And I agree with deb. Two great choices, obviously, and -- all things being equal -- I do think the final decision often comes down to a gut feeling, and where he feels he would happiest. I do think he'll love his visit to Chapel Hill, though!</p>
<p>I think that your son should visit both schools and make up his mind about which he prefers. If he decides on UNC and the costs would be difficult for you, I think that he should be willing to pay the difference by taking out loans, working during the school year and/or working during the summer.</p>
<p>
[quote]
a southern school with a southern feel
[/quote]
</p>
<p>But only in a postive way. The weather is better, it gets warmer much earlier, it stays warmer longer, and the winters are short and not as intense as in the midwest. The people are nice, very friendly. It's not far from the beach or the mountains. </p>
<p>UNC is extremely diverse and welcoming institution for all kinds of students. As a former UNC graduate student (then from New Jersey), a long, long time ago, and the spouse of another UNC graduate student, a real Yankee from New England, I encouraged our son to apply to Carolina from out of state. He was accepted but went elsewhere to attend film school. He has told us on numerous occasions he would have gone there otherwise.</p>
<p>There is nothing wrong with Ohio State, but given that money is not a major issue, Carolina would be a nice adventure for your son.</p>
<p>In a very general sort of way, grant aid is 'safer' if your income were to go down (the grant would likely increase in the following year). Merit aid is 'safer' if your income increases significantly as it will stay the same (assuming your student maintains his gpa and so forth).</p>