<p>Okay, I know the general consensus on debt on CC is never-never-never, but I wholeheartedly believe that I won't be happy at W&L. It's an incredible institution--don't get me wrong--but I just can't bring myself to be excited about the prospect of attending. It just doesn't feel...right. </p>
<p>My other options presented good FA, but Vanderbilt offered the most, with about a 10k out of pocket cost. Although it's manageable, my dad recently lost his job, we would have to take out some type of loan to pay it off, at least for the first year.</p>
<p>My head just keeps telling me to take the W&L offer, but I just don't want to. Should I? Should I just suck it up and take it?</p>
<p>Vanderbilt. 10k is not that much in the long run, especially if you are motivated enough to get into Vanderbilt and Johns Hopkins. Graduating 30-40k is NOT killer if it means going where you feel at home.</p>
<p>The problem is when students choose between full rides and 60k options that are only marginally better. This is not the case here.</p>
<p>Have you contacted any of these schools about your situation? What do your parents say?
$30k-$40K would be above the average debt at graduation for all of them. Vanderbilt’s average debt at graduation is less than $18K.</p>
<p>If your father lost his job after you submitted the FAFSA, perhaps Vanderbilt could be persuaded to increase their offer for at least 1 year (especially if the “10k out of pocket” already includes a significant amount of “self help” aid.)</p>
<p>Since you don’t like W&L, push harder on Vanderbilt and see what happens. Good point about making sure they know your dad lost his job. And that situation will only be temporary (I am hoping for your family). And you could get a job. I don’t find 10k a year in loans that scary.</p>
<p>Given your dad’s unemployment, Vandy ought to increase their offer. In addition to explaining the change in your financial circumstances, let them know about your W&L offer.</p>
<p>$40K may be unmanageable debt if your postgrad plans include med school; if you are planning to major in a field with good job prospects right out of undergrad, then it may be an acceptable amount of debt.</p>
<p>PM me if you want to talk W&L fit. D is a Johnson Scholar. I would have been an unhappy fish-out-of-water there, but she has had a good experience. Ironically, she thought she was going to love Vanderbilt when we toured, but it didn’t feel right to her ;)</p>
<p>I agree with Lizardly and tk. Call Vanderbilt and let them know they’re your first choice but your dad just lost his job - ask if there’s a form you can fill out for a possible change in FA?</p>
<p>I’m not sure if this would work(contact Vandy FA) but you may want to deposit at Vanderbilt, take a gap year, and then reapply for financial aid. I believe Vanderbilt would then recalculate your financial aid sand would then give you more grant aid in light of your family’s situation. However, I’d first recommend TK’s approach. </p>