<p>On the state school topic--just this minute got the financial aid "award" from UT at Austin -- parent's have the priviledge of taking loans $19k for each semester (had to read it twice). Ugh. VA Tech (as mentioned by cptofthehouse) is only $28k for the whole year. And son used to love it, until he got into UT. </p>
<p>Ugh. I'm on the financial aid website now and they want me to 'accept the award' & I can't exit out. I think they're forcing us to commit or something! Going to try to close this screen down w/out penalty!!!</p>
<p>Good luck to those weighing all the options!!!</p>
<p>This is a great topic! We are facing a tough choice....my student got great aid/merit at UVM.....but also got a pretty good package from our home flagship, U of Illinois/Urbana Champaign....what to do??<br>
Of course, UVM would cost much less, with travel would still be nearly half the cost of UIUC.....but UIUC has a better overall rep in many areas....not sure what to do at this point, and my student is not sure, either.....</p>
<p>IlliniMom--what is your daughter majoring in? That could make a difference, I've found. I know UIUC has the #4 ranked comp sci prgrm in the country (above many Ivy league schools). </p>
<p>I'm bummed about UT's zero cash-ola. It's going to make the decision harder.</p>
<p>My daughters first choices are UVA & W&M--she is currently undecided, but now is rethinking biology--are the Virginia choices given the tuition increase better in the sciences?</p>
<p>Jersey Shore mom and Katie, Did anyone see TCNJ? I think its alot better than the other state schools--however still not convinced its the best fit for our daughter==more advice?</p>
<p>S was accepted to UIUC computer science but deferred by UofM. He's accepted to Michigan State, but we think the program at UIUC is probably worth the difference, especially if he receives some scholarship help. Still not sure what to do if he ultimately gets into UoM though. UIUC has really made him feel welcome. Can't say the same about UofM.</p>
<p>Hi Jolynne. Also no aid here. Waiting to hear about the International Engineering Scholarship for study abroad. OOS still costs more, but it would sure help.</p>
<p>TCNJ did not have her major. The only major in-state school that brushed over or was close to her major was Rutgers in Camden. We didn't even apply, not worth the risk living in Camden ... so are going OOS and paying for it.</p>
<p>I have never seen TCNJ, but two families here have kids going there and I have heard wonderful things about it. They chose the school as an OOS over the SUNYs.</p>
<p>To you other Illinois moms: I also got nada (U of I-Champaign/Urbana). Cost of attendence is about $25,000 (in state). Everything is to be covered by loans. I certainly don't understand the EFC. Since I have two in college my EFC was half of my income. OMG! On another note my son got into UC-Irvine. They have a separate school of Computer Science and Information. The main advantage would be the industry in the Irvine area and internships. My son liked that Wizards of the Coast and Google were right there. There is a strong "gaming" concentration at that school. Some of these kids imagine getting into game design and related areas. Not that they actually land up doing that. (OOS tuition at Irvine though!)</p>
<p>OOS vs in-state is very personal decision for every family. If one have unlimited resources and totally in love with OOS school, why not? For the rest of us, it is simple cost / benefit analysis.</p>
<p>depends on how good(or bad) your state school is and cost. If your state school sucks and you can't afford $50k a year, oos schools at $30-35 certainly are a nice alternative.</p>
<p>A crystal ball would help. LOL I have some money that could be used for the youngest to get through the college of his dreams or I could use it to augment a decimated retirement account. If I knew that one outcome would lead to a happy and productive life for him, I would take the risk even if it set me back.</p>
<p>Geeps, we have seen that with many of H's older colleagues who went all out to pay for their kids' schools. Some of them are really in trouble now. Their retirement accounts are down, they can't sell their houses, and they can't borrow.</p>
<p>Lucy55 "If I knew that one outcome would lead to a happy and productive life for him" - outcome depends much more on a kid than college. CC has worked wonders for me.</p>
<p>SB recently acquired southhampton college from LIU (?) and it is a separate campus geared to environmental/marine science.<br>
OOS Suny tuition WAS in the neighborhood of $12,000- it may have gone up some, but I am sure it is alot less than many other states. ESF is suny program but on the syracuse U campus. So it may be worth checking out.</p>
<p>also- a bit off topic- but driving through Queens this week-end.
looks like Queens college is opening up a residence hall next year
CUNY $: Queens College quality: and dorms!!<br>
something to think about. especially for those of you who have kids who LOVE NYC.</p>