Vanderbilt full pay vs. UCSB in-state?

If they cost the same after financial aid, choose what makes the most sense for your student.

If the cost is substantially different then you can make an economic judgement.

No degree in the same major from schools of this level of excellence will overcome bad math, economically.

If you are cost agnostic. Let it fly.

If you have to sacrifice a large part of your non college fund savings or incur large student debt co-signed by you, or much larger med school debt than otherwise. That’s not always the best decision either.

Case by case. Kid by kid.

@LMK5 Congratulations to your family! Great school choices.

Sounds like you are leaning towards Vanderbilt, but questioning the net cost.

Curious to hear how the comparison post-financial aid package works out.

Vanderbilt is #1 Great Financial Aid according to the 2019 Princeton Review.

So, if you qualify for need-based grants at any college, Vandy may be one of your better bets.

@bloomfield88 Thanks for the congrats. As it turned out, both daughters were admitted to Berkeley and one of those had been admitted to Vanderbilt. Unfortunately Vanderbilt offered no aid so Berkeley it had to be, although she was a little disappointed. Then UCLA accepted her off the waitlist so she accepted there and rescinded Berkeley. So it’s one future Bruin and one future Golden Bear. It will wind up costing me less than it would have to send one to Vanderbilt.

Good result. Congratulations.

@LMK5 Congratulations! Sounds like a good, friendly sibling rivalry brewing in the family. Enjoy!