<p>Ive been combing through this forum for a while now and it seems noone seriously talks about the tuition costs for some reason. Tuition is one thing that keeps getting me frustrated. I'm interested in schools such as Denison (40,000$ a year) and Richmond in London (30,000$) a year but these tuition prices scare me.</p>
<p>Maybe I just don't understand the average mindset on the tuitions and what is high and what is not. Could somebody lay that out for me? It seems like the only places with reasonable prices are regional campuses and community colleges but they also have a different class of people from what I've seen, no offence.</p>
<p>I want a great education in an interesting place without paying so high. I don't want to be in debt for my life.</p>
<p>::sighs:: I'm in the same position... What's worse is my parents can't pay for my college education even though our finaid statements will say that we can (i.e. I'm paying for everything). I'm looking at the $30K schools too, and it's daunting. However there are lots of options such as co-op and work study programs that will help lower the amount you receive in loans. Plus, unless you come from an uber-rich family you will probably qualify for financial aid, and then there's any sort of scholarships you might receive. Also, there are student loans where payment is deferred until after you graduate plus a 6 month grace period... and as long as you manage your finances well and enter a field where you can make enough money to pay back these loans you should be alright. You'd be suprised at how many options are out there. Obviously I'm not advocating putting yourself into a huge amount of debt, and you really need to decide what you and your family can handle. But don't discount the more expensive schools because of their price tag. Wait and see what kinds of finaid packages they give you and then decide if it's worth the money.</p>
<p>I have had several friends in that predicament - my year and years before me. A popular choice seems to be to attend a cheaper university and transfer after two years to their ideal choices, since the attention and research usually comes in upper division (junior and senior year) courses. Granted, transferring can be difficult, especially to very selective schools but it could save you a lot of money. The key is to like the cheaper university so you can thrive there (hell, one of my friends who ahd his heart set on transferring to stanford fell in love with the "other" school). </p>
<p>Hey, you're not completely out of luck. Remember that the majority of top universities and LACs have HUGE, GINORMOUS endowments - meaning that they can pay your way through if you qualify. These schools have need blind admissions. If your record can get you in, go for it because you could qual for a FREE or almost free education.</p>
<p>Most top schools are around $40,000-45,000 a year. Some, like NYU and GW are closer to $50,000 (if not that much already). </p>
<p>Like fhimas said, these private schools do, quite often, have "huge, ginormous" endowments ;). Generally, a large percentage of students at these schools (half, or sometimes more) get financial aid. So unless your family is very well off, there's a good chance you'll receive some financial aid. </p>
<p>I wouldn't recommend immediately crossing a school off of your list just because the price tag is scary. The school may become much more affordable (maybe even more so than a public school) in the end.</p>
<p>You aren't seeing a lot of talk about tuition because you aren't on the parent's forum! ;) Over there we talk about tuition A LOT.</p>
<p>I'll tell you something -- kids (and parents too) can talk up a big game about college. They'll apply to, and get accepted at, lots of schools, but when push comes to shove many of them CAN NOT pay for the schools they get into. Then they end up at their state U or whatever -- or they end up with huge loans that haunt them for years.</p>
<p>When putting together a list of schools you DO need to pay attention to cost. But be aware that you may not have to pay "sticker price." For instance, Denison is one of the most generous LACs with merit scholarship money.</p>
<p>So have your parents fill out the FAFSA calculator so that you know if you will qualify for need-based aid. Then have a talk with them about how much they are willing to pay. </p>
<p>If you are a good student read over the postings ont he parent forum about merit scholarships. Those are ones you may qualify for even if you don't qualify for need-based aid, or if your parents won't pay in as much as you need.</p>
<p>Be smart about money!!! In the end it WILL matter!!! Try hard to get your parents to really talk to you about it.</p>
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<p>PS - Just because $30,000 may be average for private school (and I don't know if it is or not) DOES NOT mean that it isn't still REALLY HIGH and well out of the reach of the vast majority of families.</p>