<p>I seem to have mainly public universities on my list, is that a bad thing? Should I have a mix of both? I seem to have a majority of public's because they offer solid education at a cheaper price.</p>
<p>If you are a very good student you may get financial aid from certain privates which could make them as good or even better deal than publics. Of course, just because a school is private doesn’t mean it’s better.</p>
<p>You have asked a very hard question, but a very good one.</p>
<p>Many many people agree with your sentiment – if you can get a solid education at a reduced price, go for it!!! This is especially true if you’re fortunate enough to be in a state with excellent schools. Honors programs, et c. also reinforce this.</p>
<p>On the other side – many view that the opportunities/student bodies at top-top schools make it worth the price. Also, many schools offer significant financial aid, which helps level the playing field for many.</p>
<p>In short, there is no wrong answer.</p>
<p>The only real disadvantage I see is that in public schools there will be in state students who won’t care at all and will just party.</p>
<p>There are students who don’t care much, and are just there to party at every single college and university on the planet. Don’t let that be the sole reason for dropping an otherwise decent institution from your list. Many of the partiers will be gone at the end of the first semester, and more will be gone by the end of the second.</p>
<p>There are kids who party a lot at privates as well. Having instate kids is NOT what makes a school a party school. Typically, having 18-22 year old kids on campus makes a school a party school. ;)</p>
<p>Are these publics all instate? If not, then they may not be bargains unless you get merit scholarships from them.</p>
<p>My kids’ undergrad is known as a party school (big Div I sports). But they’ve had serious majors and they are serious students, as well as their classmates. </p>
<p>Are you a junior? what are your stats? Maybe you do have some other options, though.</p>
<p>mom2collegekids, I am a sophomore with a 3.8 W GPA. All of the colleges I am looking at are out of state. (Wisconsin, Texas, Georgia Tech)</p>
<p>It doesn’t matter public or private. Apply to the universities that you like and are interested in attending. Both public and private universities usually offer a quality education. Don’t worry about the cost initially (unless it is 100% impossible for you to afford it), make that decision once you hear back from the universities about scholarships and financial aid. Go where you want to go regardless of public/private.</p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>
<p>If you’re looking at all OOS public colleges then they may not be cheaper. </p>
<p>Will your parents pay the high OOS costs? </p>
<p>GT </p>
<p>Out-of-state tuition and fees:…$27,862
Room and board:…$8,826 </p>
<h2>Books and supplies:…*$1200</h2>
<p>about…$39,000</p>
<p>What are your parents saying about how much they’ll pay each year?</p>
<p>You should wait until the end of your junior year before making that college list. Focus on next year’s course load, taking the SAT and maintaining/increasing your GPA. Then have some privates in the list for potential financial aid. OOS Public school is fine if aid is not an issue.</p>
<p>fallparent --</p>
<p>With all due respect, many start making their list earlier than you recommend. Spring break of Jr. year is a great time to visit colleges.</p>
<p>It depends on a lot of things (e.g. your state of residency, intended or possible major, cost constraints, etc.). Don’t rule out any school because it is public or private, but evaluate its academic and non-academic fit for you and its likely cost of attendance individually.</p>
<p>@zephyr - I thought OP is a current sophomore. Isn’t that a bit early. At least wait until you are a junior. My intention is not to overstress when they could be focussing on grades and the course work for junior year. A lot can change by next year.</p>
<p>Personally the list I made serves as a sort of inspiration to get good grades and work hard to get to those colleges. I think there is no problems with starting early</p>
<p>@fallparent </p>
<p>Yes OP is a sophomore and I agree Junior year is probably the right time to look (Though I think beginning of Jr year is better). Certainly you want sophomore grades and at least PSAT scores (so you have a guess as to what the SAT/ACT will be). </p>
<p>However, if the family were to go on a summer vacation after Soph Year, I wouldn’t rule out sneaking in a college visit or two.</p>
<p>This having been said, if someone waited until mid-end of Jr. Year, they wouldn’t be behind the curve.</p>
<p>@aek – well good for you, whatever serves as motivation. Just be flexible.</p>
<p>Aek…it’s a bit early, but it’s fine to start looking now.</p>
<p>But, first have the “money talk” with your parents. If they won’t pay for these OOS publics on your list, then you need to consider other schools.</p>
<p>Out of state publics are the most expensive option if you are middle class. You will be paying sticker-price at these schools.
In state publics are the least expensive option if you are middle class. There is a bunch of state aid, and tuition is much, much cheaper.
Privates can be very expensive for middle class students, even moreso than out of state publics.</p>
<p>… Of course if you are lower or lower-middle class, privates will be the most affordable and most likely your best options.</p>
<p>Don’t go into tons of debt just to go to an out of state public or private that you can’t afford. Grad schools, med schools, and law schools don’t really care where you go. Just pick the most economically sound school, in my opinion.</p>
<p>Im in NJ and I have seen and been to Rutgers campus many times. I don’t think it is for me. My parents for OOS schools are paying Rutgers’ in state tuition and the rest is on me</p>
<p>My instate publics (the good ones) are $20-25k a year and give minimal FA. I have gotten better prices from private schools, so keep that in mind when considering cost.</p>
<p>My parents for OOS schools are paying Rutgers’ in state tuition and the rest is on me</p>
<p>Well, then, many of those OOS state schools won’t work. YOU can only borrow the following amounts:</p>
<p>Federal student loans:</p>
<p>frosh 5500
soph 6500
junior 7500
senior 7500</p>
<p>I know many kids think that THEY can borrow any given shortfall, but you would need your PARENTs to co-sign larger loans…and most parents will NOT do that because it’s too much debt and they’d be responsible if you can’t pay it back.</p>
<p>Rutgers…
In-state tuition and fees: $12,754 </p>
<h2>Room and board: $11,262</h2>
<p>Your Parents’ Budget: About $24,000 per year.</p>
<p>The schools you’re looking at are in the $40k range…A young person isn’t going to be able to come up with that $15k per year difference on his own. </p>
<p>You need to work with your budget and find schools that will give you merit scholarships to supplement your parents’ money. The schools that you mentioned above aren’t likely going to do that. Texas doesn’t give many OOS merit scholarships, don’t think Wisc does either, and GT gives merit to some kids with really high stats…but that merit is highly competitive.</p>
<p>What are your stats? Have you taken the PSAT yet?</p>
<p>You need high test scores to get merit scholarships and you need to identify which schools those are.</p>
<p>Can you clarify? When you said that your parents will pay Rutgers instate tuition…did you mean “just tuition”??? or room and board as well?</p>