<p>Should I go to a private where tuition will be around $30k-$35k including aid or a state school $25k where it is very likely I will not be able to graduate in 4 years time because of impacted classes?</p>
<p>It all depends on how much you can afford for the classes. I think it is better to go to the private school you indicated above because I believe you have better chances of graduating there and receiving a better learning experience. I think it would be best to spend a little more money for your good future. (I will also attend a private research university in the fall.) Good luck Annie!</p>
<p>It’s not that simple, most of the time. Do you know you won’t graduate in 4 years at the state school, and that you will at the private? I’ve known any number of kids who have gotten out , my own son included, in 4 years at a state school, and kids who took longer at a private, another kid of mine in this situation. I can tell you that it can be a financial bear paying that extra cost when a kid needs an extra semester or year at a private school. Is that the only factor that is important to you? All of the kids in our extended family as well as one of mine are in state schools right now, and they are all on track to get out in 4 years, by the way. My friend’s DD got out in 3 years from her state school, as have a number of kids I know who took advantage of some hefty summer sessions courses available. The private schools are often very skimpy on summer offerings, by the way. </p>
<p>I think you need to tally up the advantages and disadvantages of each school; all privates and all publics are not the same. Make sure that the truly important factors are highlighted. IF your family has cost constraints, for example, that can take precedence over any advantages. You don’t want to get them and yourself in financial trouble.</p>
<p>Do you qualify for the honors program at your state school? If so, that would likely entitle you to priority registration, and the impacted class situation would not be a problem.</p>