<p>I have seen a lot of posts with people choosing between tier 1 and tier 3 because of costs. What about a high tier 2 vs. a very good tier 3? My son got incredible money from the tier 3 (we know many successful grads from the tier 3 , including 1 in his exact program who got into excellent grad schools)-- he would live on a beautiful campus, be an honor's fellow and graduate debt-free. The other top choice is his best tier 2 -- a well known very rigorous school. At the tier 2 a good portion of students don't make it through the first year in his program (chemistry). The equipment is better at the tier 3, which is important for research (which is important for grad school). Truth is, tier 3 is a warmer, friendlier environment. But tier 2 has the reputation. He would have 20-30K debt after the tier 2. He is happy to go to either. Is there any reason why he should go to the school with the more well-known reputation in this case?</p>
<p>Also, the tier 2 would cost us (his parents) about 7K per year more. So between him and us, about $13 K less per year for the tier 3.</p>
<p>Sounds like the tier 3 school is a much better bargain.</p>
<p>Just to clarify so that I can follow you: Tier 2 is U.S. News ranking 50-100 and Tier 3 is ranked 100-150?</p>
<p>One actually ranked in the top 2 of its category (Master's/one region). The other is ranked as a tier 3 LAC, with a "A+ school for B student" rating. My son is not a "B" student -- that is why they offered him so much money. The tier 2 had an A- average on their admitted students. Not sure on the tier 3 but assuredly lower. however, we think chem major is self-selective for good students--also he'll be in honors program for his other courses--honor's program is very small number of students. He has visited both campuses more than once.</p>
<p>My D is in a Tier 3 college that not only matched the State Honors school in costs but it has propelled her to amazing heights of a college education ( I am from a family of Ivy Leaguers and NYUers ) ! It's smallness and closeness to professors has propelled her GPA to such an extent that she will easily get a great grad school acceptance.</p>
<p>I was skeptical but she really wanted to be there ( It's Hiram College ) !</p>
<p>I will also say that we have invested heavily in a private school education for him through high school so we are very willing to spend the money if there is a reason. I just have this mother's feeling that he'll be more comfortable at the Tier 3, and he would need a small loan at the Tier 2. He doesn't have strong feelings that one is more favorable than the other. He understands the plusses and minuses pretty well and asked for my opinion.</p>
<p>I would like opinions on Tier 2 vs. Tier 3 also.</p>
<p>It seems like your heart is at the Tier 3 school, regardless of the money. If both schools cost the same, would you automatically suggest he choose Tier 2? While Tier 3 Chem dept seems to better able to interact in a more complete way with him AT THIS TIME, will he have outgrown that school by his Jr. year? Other than more name recognition/prestige, will Tier 2 give him anything of value the Tier 3 won't do as well or better? </p>
<p>What does your son want to do after graduation? Check with both schools Chemistry dept. Where are their grads going? What types of jobs, what types of companies, what types of grad school opportunities? As a top performer at Tier 3, he is likely to be at the top of his heap when looking for recs, research opportunities, etc. Does he like running at the front of the pack or does he need others running ahead of him to push him to his full potential? At Tier 2 might he be in the middle of the pack and so he would stand out less? If Tier 3 does become limiting by Jr year, can he transfer with need based aid (little merit aid for transfers). Can he and you let go of the name/prestige thing if he chooses Tier 3 or will there always be questions of "what if?". </p>
<p>If Tier 3 is getting a few students into the type of grad schools/internships/job opportunities that your son wants, he is likely to be one of the student's they rally behind for one of these opportunities. If they aren't getting ANY students into these types of opportunities, the likelihood of him being able to do this is diminished. And in the end, if you and he can deal with the lack of name/prestige, go with his heart.</p>