<p>Okay, here is my situation. I applied to a bunch of schools and I have narrowed it down to Cornell, Penn State's Honors College (Schreyer), and Penn (Ben Franklin Scholar).
My parents own a farm and recently got a large gas lease spiking our efc to....90,000.</p>
<p>My parents combined make under 80,000 a year, so clearly our efc is not 90,000.
Penn State would cost me roughly 19,000 with the shreyer scholarship and not counting my 5,000 loan.
Cornell and Penn both gave me just a 5,500 loan. My parents have been in contact with both financial aid offices explaining our situation, and I am up for re-evaluation for both schools. Without any more aid, I would basically be paying full tuition and room & board. The farm still hurts my chances of getting anymore aid.</p>
<p>I have to pay for the majority of my education. My parents need the gas lease money for retirement and can't sell the farm (which is what the Ivys are basically suggesting)</p>
<p>Honestly, I would suggest that you go to Penn State. The caliber of the students in Schreyers is extremely high. And Penn State treats them like gods on campus. They are afforded first pick of classes, access to amazing professors, and top priority in the recruitment process for internships and jobs. Penn and Cornell would provide similar opportunities, but at a much higher cost. Unless either school reconsiders their financial aid package, I would take a serious look at Penn State.</p>
<p>Gotta agree with the others… SHC is unbelievable and on the same level as Ivy League schools when it comes to quality of instruction and average starting salary after graduation. The other thing about SHC is that it is part of Penn State, giving you access to an unbelievable number of resources. Had I gotten into Schreyer’s, I definitely would have gone there instead of Penn… it’s a no brainer when money is an issue!</p>
<p>There is always a way to work out money, there is not always the opportunity to attend an Ivy League college. Penn has a more manageable size, city life, better diversity, and a better reputation. Plus, if your parents die you will have a full ride to Penn! PENN. HANDSDOWN.</p>
<p>assuming no changes in financial aid i would say penn state defiantely but if the situation changes and the ivy league schools come within 5-10k a year of penn state i say ivy</p>
<p>I went to Penn Preview days and fell in love. Because of the gas lease my parents are willing to give me 25k a year and I will get loans for the rest. I wanted to go to school in the city, and I was never a fan of PSU despite how everyone loves it. I have a vast amount of pros for Penn and as far as PSU, one, and that is it is cheaper. My decision is made. I also like that Penn is a quarter the size.</p>