<p>MiamiDap, Yea, you a right. I assume that when you say the CC has worked wonders for you it means that it has gotten you through all the tough choices we all are struggling with. My big one in that OOS tuition. (My other one is--how much do you really need for retirement? And that is a tough one also.)</p>
<p>I need to correct the cost comparison a poster made about UW versus U of Minn costs. Just double checked- Tuition is cheaper for both Minn and Wis residents at UW-Madison, with MN residents paying more than Wis residents. Other costs similar. In past years it was cheaper for Wis residents to go to U of M than MN residents due to the way reciprocity was dealt with- it looks like they have made Wis resident tuition the same as instate Minn now. Costs are within around $2000 for either state resident at either school- not a decision maker for most in either state when a student has a preference. Differences in nonloan funding may make one cheaper than the other for a particular student.</p>
<p>I think the sports spectator scene should not be the sole reason to pay huge amounts of extra money for a school. That is such a small part of college life, even at the sports enthusiastic schools. A student should justify a lot more than game day activities for the extra money spent. Sports participation is different.</p>
<p>One reason to choose an OOS public U is to relocate to a different part of the country- my nephew did that (and he worked so he could become a state resident for tuition). It may be easier to check out a part of the country as a student than to take a job there then have to change jobs at the start of a career. A reason to choose the OOS school would be to immerse one in that state's culture or for a particular program. I don't understand OOS students who choose a public school and then isolate themselves from the majority of students- doesn't sound like a good fit school. Perhaps some schools are large enough to provide a subculture within the student's comfort zone.</p>
<p>Lucy, sorry to hear that UIUC did not provide much for your family. I know that makes your choices harder.
We got a lot for several reasons: Legacy $$$ as I have a student there now, some merit $$ for grades, and lots of grants because I am unemployed and do not own a home, have no other assets. Few would wish to trade places with our financial situation.. Most state schools do give aid priority to those with no assets, that I know.</p>
<p>CC got me my first professional job and various employers paid for the rest of my education all thru MBA. My actual job in terms of what I do and responsibilities did not change much since my very first position after CC.</p>
<p>IlliniMom, I would have 2 at U of I if my youngest goes there. The COA didn't reflect any kind of discount for this. I guess I could call them up. How much should the discount be for the second one? Actually my youngest doesn't really want to go there--too many of his high school mates there.</p>
<p>Lucy,It was not a discount, per se, it was called a Legacy scholarship. It would not hurt to ask, but if your youngest does not want to go......</p>
<p>Many college grads take their fandom with them throughout life and it can be a very great source of enjoyment and recreational activity. It helps if your school has a winning sports enterprise.</p>
<p>Winning or well known sports teams do add to name recognition. My boys tend to know all of the big football and basket ball schools as do their friends. My last one would have been hard pressed to list 10 colleges outside of such sports schools before he started the process.</p>
<p>Regarding the impact of sports programs, I attended a big state U with a losing/low profile sports program and my son attends one with a huge sports program. The difference in school spirit and connection to the school is amazing. I see folks with walkers at the games.
That said, I don't think it's worth big OOS bucks. But it can be a tipping point for a kid who likes sports if the school in not that much more expensive. It's a really fun element...and I'm enjoying it as a parent (both my H and I went to non-sports schools and it's great to have a big college team to root for now!).</p>
<p>My DS got into TCNJ, too, and we're taking a long, serious look at it. It's got small classes, bright kids, is supposed to be one of the happiest campuses in the country--and with the scholarship they offered, would be less than a third of what U of Richmond would cost. It's pretty painful to think of spending the same amount for four years at one school v. 9 or 10 years for another (not that I want him to spend 9 years getting his bachelor's degree!). He's also applied to W and M. Love the school, but is it worth $40,000? Not sure. Great deal for in-staters, though.</p>
<p>By the way, I've always heard GREAT things about UVM and know plenty of kids here in NJ who desperately want to go there and are willing to pay out of state tuition for the privilege!</p>
<p>Endicott - Nice to hear good things about UVM. In spite of the $40K tuition, I think my son is hooked! </p>
<p>FYI, I have gotten excellent feedback about TCNJ. Close family friend is a freshman and is loving every minute and doing extremely well academically. Definitely check it out further.</p>
<p>
Exactly the same for us, except that where we live in IL is equidistant between the two. D has visited several times and loves UW and Madison. Other very important factors for her: only ~15% of UIUC students are from outside IL, so she feels there’s not enough diversity; and so many other students from her HS go to UIUC that many, when they come back home for a weekend, etc., joke that it’s like HS, part II. D definitely wants an experience beyond that.</p>
<p>So, Wisconsin it is! And we are thrilled with her decision!</p>
<p>One of my oldest and closest friends had a daughter at Wisconsin even though they were IL residents. She liked W better than the Il state schools, or any of her choices for that matter.</p>
<p>Plenty of students from a lot farther away than Illinois choose Wisconsin.</p>
<p>I know several from Maryland who we thrilled to go there. </p>
<p>There’s just something about that place that appeals to a lot of students.</p>