<p>I was thinking of attending a private university but i know they are expensive to attend. What are the benefits of attending a private university? Financial aid options? The schools i am considering are Gonzaga, Syracuse and Santa Clara.</p>
<p>@Social22: I’ll address only one element of your inquiry. It’s a dangerous myth to generalize that private universities are always more expensive than public schools. MANY private LACs and research universities provide generous financial aid (both need-based grants and merit-based scholarships). Obviously, your potential NET cost is what’s critical (not tuition, fees, room/board alone). I recommend you investigate the institutions – both public and private – in which you’re interested, to ascertain accurate and specific information. </p>
<p>Private schools are not always more expensive than public schools because many of them offer generous need-based aid that commonly ends up meeting or exceeding net prices offered by public schools.</p>
<p>Use the online net price calculator for each school that interests you to compare costs.</p>
<p>^ This</p>
<p>I agree. Use the net price calculators in order to determine whether or not the financial aid award estimate given by each of your universities is sufficient in order to render the university an affordable option.</p>
<p>There are pros and cons of every college. Privates often, but not always have smaller class sized, especially in the first introductory classes. Some privates have a particular culture or mission, such as Catholic values that may be important to you. etc. I agree you have to check the price for you and see what you can get help with. There is need based aid and merit aid. The net price calculators can help with estimates, but you will have to apply in order to see everything they might offer you.</p>
<p>Caution with the net price calculators, though. I don’t think Gonzaga’s shows merit aid, only possible need-based aid. They are pretty generous with merit aid and additional grants. And once you have a merit scholarship or grant, it will continue for the full 4 years (the Gonzaga Guarantee) unless you fail to make satisfactory academic progress (i.e. flunk out.) For my kids, this has made Gonzaga about the same price each year as in-state cost of attendance at the University of Washington. </p>