<p>I am going to be transferring from a community college for the Fall 2012 semester. I've been debating whether or not to apply to my first choice school or not because of the price. My first choice school is a small private liberal arts college. I feel like the school is a great fit for me, I would be able to commute to the school, not have to pay for room and board, and I would be able to keep my part-time job. The only downside is the price. It costs about $32k in tuition for the school year. They offer a $10,000 scholarship to 10 transfer students who meet special requirements, so I would have a chance of getting this scholarship. Even so, I'm not sure if I could afford $22k. I would need to take out a large loan, and it honestly scares me.</p>
<p>I have two state schools I'm planning on applying to. They're are decent schools and I think I'd be happy at either, but I feel I'd be happiest at the private school. I know that financially attending the state school would be much cheaper, so I'm debating a lot of things. Should apply to the private school and see what happens even when I know the price is a little much for me, or should I just apply to the schools I would definitely be able to afford?</p>
<p>Go ahead and apply to your first choice, I understand that money can be an issue and I think it is for everyone, but there are places to help lower that cost like scholarships outside of the school. Fastweb.com provides lots of scholarships to students, although most are small amounts, but still better than nothing. If you really like the school and it will help you with your future/career then why not there are ways to make things happen. And even if you feel you can’t afford it go to the state school</p>
<p>I personally would apply only to the state schools because I was basically in the same exact position as you (wanting to attend a private school during my senior year of HS). I ended up choosing my city college which made me really sad initially…until I finished two semesters and realized I basically saved myself $20,000 which made me feel REALLY good. I don’t regret my decision not enrolling into the private college because imagining myself swallowed up by debt makes me realize it’s totally not worth it. I got a great education at my city school for way cheap, and you would too at your state schools.</p>
<p>If you know you can’t afford it, don’t waste your time and money applying.</p>
<p>Will you be at the private college for 2 years or 3 years? I think you should apply. Worst case scenario you lose your $50/$75 on the application fee, but best case scenario maybe they offer enough money where you won’t need to take out a sizable loan that will burden you for many years after college.</p>