UNC, UVA, and U of Texas

[Catcherinthetoast]

@VirginiaBelle

It’s money that we’ve saved for the past 20+ years for education, and it will be used for somebody’s education Just trying to use it wisely!

Cheers and congratulations!!

[tsbna44]

Where did you ED?

ED is good in that you won’t torture yourself til May - but not good in that you can’t see your options because it sounds like Honors is important to you.

Of course, not every school has Honors. Will you / did you apply at each school? I wouldn’t assume anything is not possible (well UVA because I don’t believe they have and UT will be tough and FSU brutally tough) - but you can still make a campus smaller even without - by major choice, LLC, other programs, etc.

I love reading your stuff - because you are me. And if going for poli sci or unsure what one will do in life, nothing wrong with saving a few bucks!!!

Hopefully your 529 is in conservative choices as college is upon…but if it’s falling, hopefully it has come back with the market…but if they adjust it to even more conservative investments as school is getting closer, that can be a problem.

I have my son in a 2027 plan - so I’m definitely getting whipsawed - but hoping we end the year strong. I had moved some in the past year to a fixed account - so at least I had that to cover now.

Nothing wrong with having grad school covered. If not that, then the grandkids.

I don’t see you wishy washy. I see you as a great example of how so many people are. For value shoppers, it’s a very difficult decision. I kid because you’ve openly discussed this but it’s a draining decision.

And I will tell you that college cost more than you think, more than they tell you - with transport, events, greek life, uber, eating out, etc.

On the other hand, happy wife, happy life.

I still say - you have to visit. Kids/parents tend to rank by US News or other measures. But there’s been many a chain about - my kid got into this top school, but after visits, decided this one was better for them. I have two of that in my house. So it’s not an impossibility. When you visit Arizona (IMHO), it’ll be tough to ignore. Va Tech (not sure if you applied) - would be another - it’s super super impressive.

Keep us in the loop on your journey.

[Catcherinthetoast]

@billythegoldfish

we had enough $ in 529 funds to pay for 4 years- but that has dwindled some in recent times and no longer will cover all 4 years unless the economy rebounds while she is in college

You aren’t being “wishy washy” you are being conscientious. When you are saving money you don’t have you are appropriately both prudent and responsible.

Conversely when you go out of your way to decide not to spend allocated and adequate education funds on your kids education and you have a steady income you are being cheap. In my mind (and experience) that was my kids money for education the moment it was saved in their interest. Doesn’t make you a bad parent just a frugal one.

At the risk of being blunt to the point of being rude that is my opinion and others are free to disagree.

[fladadK4Q]

I got my Bachelors degree from Texas. I have been to the other 2 campuses. If it was one of my sons who got in to all 3 schools and wanted to major in poly sci, I would suggest UVA.

I have friends & family that have kids currently at Texas. Based on what they have told me about homelessness & crime near the campus, and with the theocratic state government in Texas severely limiting healthcare options for women, Texas wouldn’t even be on my radar if I had a daughter (even with a full ride).

[roycroftmom]

My kid did get admitted to those 3 schools and was offered free rides at 2 of them. She chose to attend elsewhere but I would postpone any visiting until after admissions given the out of state acceptance rates.