U Chicago- Worth the extra money?

<p>U Chicago's been my clear first choice for a very long time. I'd really fallen in love with the school, so I was ecstatic when I was admitted. The ecstasy lasted until I received my financial aid package in April. I have always been told that U Chicago's financial aid is hit or miss. Knowing this, I applied to a variety of schools with good financial aid policies. Duke University, my close 2nd choice, expects me to pay virtually half of U Chicago's expectation (which really is more than we can handle). U Chicago is also including a lot more loans. I have several siblings entering college soon, and I plan to go to graduate school afterwards, so I really wanted a good FA package. We've saved for college, but that money only goes so far. I appealed my FA decision, but the financial aid officers were NOT open to negotiation. I've held off making a decision, but I'm coming down to the wire. Is U Chicago/going to my 1st choice worth the extra money, or should I go to my 2nd choice and not have to worry about financial aid? To make me even more confused, I'm really interested in a second major that U Chicago excels in- Duke doesn't even offer it. Please, please make suggestions... :(</p>

<p>It seems like Chicago is a better choice, since you said it yourself that they have a major Duke doesn't even offer...but I guess money is a big factor as well. Talk to your parents, see what they're willing to do--if they truly can't afford Chicago, I don't think Duke is such a bad second choice :P.</p>

<p>You should also take into account the fact that living expenses in Chicago will be much higher than in NC.</p>

<p>Acadmically the schools are equals and will do the same at grad school placement. Ask yourself whether you would be willing to pay the extra cash for perhaps a more fitting environment.</p>

<p>Thanks for the comments. I'm still really confused (I didn't think about living expenses :eek: ), so any suggestions are more than welcome.</p>

<p>Well, keep in mind that most schools will increase tuition/board at 5% to 7% each year....
Wanna share with us what that major is?</p>

<p>Whoops! I thought I mentioned it. It's NELC. </p>

<p>I didn't think about costs increasing- at least, not that drastically. :'(</p>

<p>What would you think 20 years later? Would you care more about the money more or getting your first choice? I would care about getting my first choice personally, especially if there is a missing major that I wanted. I think if you spend some of that saving on tuition the first year, your FA will be better the following year. I will be taking out loans (about 7 k a year) and working all year (around 15 hours a week) to finance Chicago. When I come out, I could pay all my loans off in one year (I am amazing at saving money). I believe that taking a real life challenge will build character, much more than joining artificial clubs.</p>

<p>PS. living expense will be very low if you want it that way. Your meals are already covered and you don't need much more after that.</p>

<p>Living expenses are not higher at Chicago than Duke. Yes, Chicago may offer more opportunities to spend money. That doesn't mean you must.</p>

<p>Saying that, Duke and Chicago are near enough academically that you can't use academics as a reason. </p>

<p>I think the other factor you should consider is campus culture. Duke is such a different environment from Chicago, that you should consider which environment would lead you to excel. At which do you fit in better? Such factors are important, not to be ignored. So perhaps use that as the final decision factor?</p>

<p>I think you should find a mortgage calculator, and figure out how long its going to take you to pay off the debt you are going to incur by choosing UC over Duke.
In my opionion, you should go with the school that offers you the best deal financially (unless its a sure bet, like Harvard Law School). Then, when you graduate, you'll be able to sleep at night</p>

<p>Keep in mind that when your siblings enter college, your family contribution that is expected will remain about the same which means you (and them) will get more aid.</p>

<p>warblersrule: I've read your posts on the Duke/UNC site, and it appears Duke really stepped up to the plate for you (financially speaking). And, as you know, it's an amazing school with stellar academics. Something else to consider--if you haven't already--while Duke's overall endowment is slightly lower than Chicago's, Duke has alums with deep pockets, and they continually provide very generous gifts. And as someone else pointed out on the Duke board, Duke just keeps growing and growing--on many levels. </p>

<p>Aside from the top notch academics, you obviously know the Duke campus and facilities, etc., which are pretty amazing. And while Duke offers some fine merit scholarships, they also are not the least bit stingy when it comes to financial aid. Again, they really step up. When they say, in writing, they will meet need--they really mean it. </p>

<p>And students at Duke (as I'm sure you know) are seemingly very happy there. After reading some of the more recent posts here about negative experiences students encountered after Chicago visits...well...see if you can find any posts remotely similar on the Duke site.. </p>

<p>Good luck..and based on what you said on the UNC site about how much you are going to actually have to pay for that Duke education, I think the decision is a no-brainer.</p>

<p>Yes, Duke kids love it there. Here's a quote from the Duke board as to why:</p>

<p>"the incredibly hot women sun bathing in what can only be described handerkerchiefs?!! lol"</p>

<p>Or this:</p>

<p>"There are a lot of Greek-sponsored parties on campus but I don't think that is necessarily a bad thing. I was hesistant about the Greek system before I got to Duke as well but now that I am here I think its presence is actually a good thing given that all Greek parties are open to everyone and usually really well funded and fun (the DTD foam party last night, for example)."</p>

<p>As I've said before, if you think there are no cultural differences between Duke and Chicago, think again. Such an environment is perfect for some kids, toxic for others.</p>

<p>newmassdad: I hesitate responding to you, because doing so is essentially pointless. However...perhaps you missed the latest negative posts from recent Chicago visits? If so, do check them out. At least one of those sounded like a potential "sloshing" good weekend to me ("sloshing" -- I believe that's your term). And I love the post someone made that Chicago really doesn't approve of drinking in the quads, hallways (i.e., publicly), but if you have it in your dorm room, behind closed doors, it's okay..(I mean, no one is going to "bash down your doors.") Give me a break. Chicago students are drinking just as much as anybody else, anywhere, and Chicago administration condones it (seemingly, as long as they don't see it). Drinking behind closed doors is A-okay, though. </p>

<p>And the only reason there are no "incredibly hot women sunbathing in what can only be described as handerkerchiefs" (again, that last is your word...I assume you meant 'hankerchiefs'--but perhaps Chicago has something called 'handerkerchiefs?' A mid-western specialty item, perhaps?)-- is either because (a) there are no 'hot women' on the Chicago campus, or (b) because in Chicago, it's too damn cold most of the year to "sunbathe" in those 'handerkerchiefs.' So, warbersrule...if you're a guy...there you go. Another good reason to go to Duke: hot women sunbathing (and, yes, Virginia, there is sun in the south!) in 'handerkerchiefs.' I'd go to Duke just to find out what 'handerkerchiefs' are, if for no other reason.</p>

<p>Other posters:</p>

<p>I guess the poster Jack doesn't know what a quote is. I did not spell "handerkerchiefs", I just quoted from the Duke board. Maybe Duke fans need basic spelling lessons and their parents need lessons on basic literary devices, like quotations?</p>

<p>Jack,</p>

<p>There you go again. Again, throwing your subjective opinions into the discussion, slamming the school your daughter turned down. As a parent of a daughter, I'm surprised to see your reference to "hot women". I'd certainly rather not have my D at such an institution, and especially not at one where the parents appear to condone such an attitude to their daughters. </p>

<p>But, that's why we have different cultures and different institutions. For some, Duke is perfection. For others...</p>

<p>I swear this is going to be my last post, because I actually have other things to do here..but I would like to point out something I've noticed on the Chicago board that I don't think is so prevalent on other sites. </p>

<p>Chicago posters often feel the need to 'defend' their school by denigrating other schools and non-Chicago students. Chicago seems like a fine school to me, with great offerings--as do many other schools all across this country. Yet, if this board is any indication, while a sense of pride seems to exist..that pride is coupled with (seems to be founded on) real disdain for other schools and other students, which I find very sad and a bit pathetic. Had Chicago really been a serious consideration for my kid, the postings on this board would have been enough to have changed her (and our) minds. If you read other boards, parents and students are able to talk about the merits of schools (their own and others) and make comparisons, without managing to denigrate any of the schools or the students. Chicago has an outstanding reputation, which I am sure is well-deserved.</p>

<p>Jack,
"If you read other boards, parents and students are able to talk about the merits of schools (their own and others) and make comparisons, without managing to denigrate any of the schools or the students."</p>

<p>Perhaps you should take your own advice.</p>

<p>ohio_mom: Please read through the posts on this board (and others) and tell me how often I have put down Chicago, other schools, and students who attend various schools. Do that, and get back to me. My only somewhat negative comment about Chicago here was that they are not particularly generous with financial aid, and my most recent post which pointed out that, based on what visitors and parents of current students have stated, drinking definitely goes on at Chicago, just like at other schools. That will not be avoided--no matter where one goes--unless it's perhaps a seriously religious-based/practicing school. So, perhaps you should re-read my posts--not just here--but elsewhere. I have mostly advocated for students not to put themselves in serious debt, especially when one school has offered substantial financial aid in the form of grants or scholarships (not loans), compared to another comparable school.</p>

<p>ohio_mom,</p>

<p>Jack's right. He has not attacked U. Chicago as much as he's attacked the posters who say anything positive about Chicago:</p>

<p>"Sarahbara and others: Okay, I don't know what compels me to jump in here--perhaps the arrogance displayed? "</p>

<p>"You, for one, are so blinded to anything that is not Chicago, that it's almost laughable. "</p>

<p>"Chicago posters often feel the need to 'defend' their school by denigrating other schools and non-Chicago students. " This comment is most curious, as we Chicago supporters were criticized for being positive about Chicago, as if a positive statement about Chicago was a criticism of a beloved other institution!</p>

<p>Interesting approach.</p>

<p>Once again, I have not 'attacked' those posters who have supported Chicago; rather, I have pointed out the often one-sided view shown when students--for whatever reasons--choose not to go to Chicago. That choice often has nothing whatsoever to do with lack of intellectualism, pursuit of and interest in learning. That choice--to choose Chicago or some other school for that matter--is usually made for a multitude of reasons. Those posters I "attacked" did not merely say something positive about Chicago, they coupled their remarks by saying something negative about the students who choose not to go there. To spend my time pointing this out to them, or even spending the time reading these posts, typing these words right now, is completely fruitless. I am actually employed (yes..still working for a living)..so I'm done. Really, I am. Thanks so much for your always kind words. :)</p>

<p>I graduated from Chicago, but would go with Duke. Duke is much more difficult to gain admission to, and they have offered you the aid. You may as well try it. Chicago loves to admit good transfer students. You would have no problem getting a second shot at Chicago, and who knows, maybe more aid with the siblings in college. Sorry for being so practical. Why commit yourself to debt now, when you don't have to. You might end up loving it at Duke.</p>