<p>Just another data point: D turned down full tuition from a top-50 research university two years ago to go to an LAC 5 minutes from home. Full pay. We did not qualify for need-based aid. It seemed like a really bad move at the time, but she is thriving and we are starting to see the method to her madness :)</p>
<p>Her loan is somewhat manageable thanks to two external scholarships and her share of our college savings. We had told her all along the savings would be hers regardless of her decision. She knew she could have some serious changes in her pocket – we are talking a new car every year! – but she just could not pass up her dream school.</p>
<p>She always wanted to do MD-PhD (or just PhD) so hopefully her graduate education will be fully funded. Otherwise, we would probably not let her do this, dream school or not. She also works on campus and in the summer, and she will be an RA next year. These all help.</p>
<p>By the way, we could only wish she would come home at least once in a blue moon :)</p>