<p>lets say you are somewhat financially deprived.. parents separated.. mom has an ok job.. dad doesnt pay anything..
would you get more money from a private school (cornell arts and sciences) or from a state school (cornell agriculture/life)?
in the end.. for which would you paying less for? the private or state school?
thank you</p>
<p>When i had to make this decision (baylor or Texas A&M), A&M (the state school) ended up being much cheaper. Wasnt a hard decision since its better academically anyway.</p>
<p>It doesn't matter which division of Cornell you are in as far as how your financial aid is determined. As a NY state resident, the agri/life school costs less, so if there is a gap between what you have come up with as what you can pay, and what Cornell thinks you can pay, you are better off with the lower tuition. I do not know how Cornell treats deadbeat parents, but many schools that use PROFILE insist on getting financial info from both parents. If the one parent refuses to comply, you need to appeal the situation bringing in your school counselor and other adults familiar with your family. If it is determined that Dad should be cooperating and paying, then you do not get money even if he refuses to do so. I know so many kids in that situation. If your mother is truly down there in income and assets, you may qualify for some govt funds, but the school grants will not be forthcoming. </p>
<p>Also in a case like that state schools, other than Cornell that do not use PROFILE, just FAFSA will be more beneficial to you as you will not be penalized for your father's assets and income. However, most of those do not guarantee 100% of need as Cornell does. So if you can sell Cornell on your need (an exclusion of your Dad's financials), you will likely get more need based aid from Cornell. However, you may get merit money at the less selective schools that will transcend any need issues, and you will not get merit money from Cornell as they give only need based aid.</p>