Do you think Tulane is worth the money with no FA, just some merit? Also, is the honors program any different than the regular program? TIA
I am speaking both as a parent, and someone who is in a Sr. HR leadership position and intimately involved with hiring. What I have found is that the undergrad school matters for your first job especially in terms of salary and possibly getting access to interviews. Companies are pretty good at deciphering which schools matter depending on the major, unless it is a top 20 (Ivy, Stanford, MIT etc). Beyond the first job, it is really about the experiences of what a candidate does in their job and their accomplishments that matter. This is especially true in the STEM field but in general as well. Therefore, the decision depends on a few things, I believe.
- whether your student plans to study beyond a bachelorās degree. I have had many conversations with our son on this topic. If the answer is Yes, then, save the $$ for grad school and use the merit aid, unless your family can truly afford to pay, without having to make sacrifices elsewhere.
- How much out of pocket you would need to pay (how big is the merit aid) and how much of a financial burden it puts on the family. Would you need to take out loans, for instance.
- Is your studentās heart set on Tulane as their top choice school. If so, really delve into why? Is there something about Tulane that truly stands out for what your students wants to study to pay top dollar?
- Does your student have other good options that would provide less out of pocket and more merit aid (loans donāt count, since someone would eventually have to pay that back).
Good Luck!
1 Like
That is such a complex question, not sure I can answer that entirely yet for a few reasons. What I CAN say is that it has been a complete āgame changerā for my son. He absolutely loves it and has engaged on levels Iād never have expected so soon. Can you put a price on happiness?
Firstly, heās only a sophomore, so the TRUE value (which most people would argue) will depend on when and how he lands gainful and fulfilling employmentā¦
What I can DEFINITELY say about Tulane is that if offers enormous flexibility in curriculum. My son is in the business school, but is pursuing minors in French as well as Neuroscience. Those are all in different schools and might be difficult to manage and at a largeĀ® university. When youāre admitted to Tulane, you are not limited to a specific school.
In terms of money, Iām VERY pleased with what I perceive as the value of his experience and education so far. More than happy to have you DM for more particulars if you want to know moreā¦to be clear, the sticker price is daunting, but I think VERY few pay that. In fact, they meet over 90% of demonstrated need. I think people get put off when they hear or read about high stats kids (ie 34-36 ACT, 4.2 GPA) not getting full scholarships.
It truly is a VERY unique institution in what I refer to as the āGoldilocksā environment (medium sized, research university, GREAT city/neighborhood, weather).
4 Likes
I havenāt scoured all the responses, but if EA was deferred, do you wait until 4/1 to hear back or does anyone know the date theyāre coming out with a yeh or ney.
1 Like
Of course everyoneās situation is different, but it has been more than worth it for us with just merit, especially when compared to the net costs of our Dās other options. The merit made it very competitive for us.
She loves her school, loves living in New Orleans and has been exposed to many incredible resume building opportunities, even with COVID as a factor. They seemingly have programs and options for everythingā¦itās dizzying to me, but she has been able to navigate it all and take advantage of so many offeringsā¦itās been truly impressive. In addition, sheās built some strong mentoring relationships with faculty and her advisors who advocate for her and her future. The size really is just right to create an environment with the options of a large school but the personalized support of a small one.
Regarding the Honors Program, itās not all that different except that it confers some prioritization in scheduling classes and of course housing if you are interested in the Honors RLC. Our D is in it as a junior and is also involved with student government where there are rumblings of doing away with an Honors program at Tulane, but nothing official yet.
I thought the same thingā¦glad you were able to reply as someone currently going through this.
Thank you SO much for this. Can I DM you?
Thank you for describing your daughterās experience. Could you please elaborate on what the issues are around the Honors program?
Just received the final financial package!
Good luck to every one!
8 Likes
Congrats!!! thatās a great package
Was really sad when she was not selected for the finalist of the big full-tuition scholarship. However, now the total award is even more than full-tuition.
Deleted
4 Likes
That is a great deal! Could you share - what is the
$28k scholarship, is that financial aid based on your family situation? Or additional merit aid?
Deleted
2 Likes
Is the EFC found only on the FAFSA? I know I filled out multiple other financial aid forms for Tulane so do those affect the EFC as well?
Deleted
Has anyone who was admitted EA get notified of the Stamps scholarship yet?
Omg those stats are amazing! What is your daughter planning to major in, and is she in the honors program?
Deleted
If her portal shows her as invited to honors weekend then she should be accepted.