<p>I have heard that UR is very generous with aid and tries to meet everyone's need (based on cost of attendance minus EFC) with a package that contains no more than $4000 in loans. Very commendable on their part, but I would still be wary of having S apply binding ED without a firm FA letter in his hands. And as noted, the catch-22 is that I think it will be difficult for him to be admitted if he went regular admission. Ah well.</p>
<p>What about UVA??? Far and beyond the best college in VA and quite reasonable for in state tuition.</p>
<p>Well, "far and beyond" is a little strong :)
And it may not be "best" for everybody.
And, unfortunately, it is usually more expensive than most LAC's for out of state students, once financial aid packages are factored in (or so I've been lead to believe :(</p>
<p>Considering that Washington and Lee and William and Mary students have higher average and median SAT scores than UVa students , I also doubt that UVa is far and away better than any school in Virginia. </p>
<p>In terms of the number of teaching assistants teaching undergraduates, UVa (along with Virginia Tech) has (possibly by far and away) the most in the state.</p>
<p>You also might say, in terms of the number of publicized racial incidents involving hate crimes/violence, that UVa has by far and away the most racial issues of any campus in Virginia. (See today's Cavalier Daily). </p>
<p>Or, you might be able to say that UVa, once dominated by males,now has more females than males in the undergraduate population. But not far and away.</p>
<p>U of Richmond just posted admissions statistics for the class of 2009.</p>
<p>Overall applications fell by about 500 and early decision apps declined by about 120. Was the big tuition increase to blame for drop in applications?</p>
<p><a href="http://www.richmond.edu%5B/url%5D">www.richmond.edu</a> for details</p>
<p>I'd say that was a good guess.</p>