I know everyone has different assessments of the value of a top name school, cost: and personal fit. My D, my partner and I all value these differently. How do folks view the tradeofffs associated with the net prices below (approximate) for my D. Note - a modest preference for a Catholic college, but that is only one factor
School Net Cost
University of Maryland College Park 27,152
Elon University 33,256
Providence College 40,130.00
Case Western Reserve University 45614
Fordham University 48,239
Dickinson College 49,174
Tulane University 54,598
Kenyon College 54,650
University of Virginia 65470
Villanova University 73,224
University of Richmond 73,790
So many CC posters have a subtle bias toward the WASP style (even to the extent of promoting an acronym using the same letters) that the Catholic college preference presents a bit of a confounding factor. With that in mind, I don’t see the necessity of going to UVA when your state flagship is arguably just as good and a lot cheaper.
Likely major of D is biology/premed. But I think there is a reasonable chance she may change majors as she explores ( that is certainly what I did). With regard to budget, all options are affordable without loans (but the difference from low to high of $200,000 over 4 years could be used for something else-affordability is a tricky concept). Hence the dilemma-I know some are attracted to “ best school”
Any grad school will happily soak up every penny you don’t spend now, so if that’s potentially on the horizon do yourself a favor and don’t go large here.
I have a more nuanced take than most since money does not seem to be a major issue for you. Looking at your list UVA is the best college on the list reputation-wise. I wouldn’t pay more for Richmond or Villanova. And I wouldn’t $45K more for UVA than UMD. But given her slight preferences for catholic and perhaps other preferences like size, location, etc I would certainly consider paying for other options on her list instead of just going for the cheapest option.
@parent2020confused With med school possible, Maryland seems like the best bet. Case Western also is supposedly good for pre-med. Any chance you could negotiate with them and get their price down a bit? If you can afford it, UVa is worth considering too. I would choose between those three and look into their pre-med process. I guess the question is whether the $200,000 extra would really hurt practically speaking (even though technically affordable) or if it more the principal of the issue (UVa is not worth that much more money over Maryland). Seems like Maryland or Case are best bets if pre-med very likely, but if not I would consider UVa.
As other posters have mentioned, UMD makes the most sense; however, it would appear that your D received some great merit money from Providence College, which was my daughter’s second choice. If she values a smaller student body, but one that has a palpable big time feel due to its Division I sports program, then PC might be a good fit. The new science wing has a lot to offer and premed track is a proven feeder.
Unless there is a much stronger stated preference for religious affiliated school, the choice is clear: UMD. Take the difference in cost with any of the “prestigious” schools, multiply by four, and think what you or your student could do with that money.
Professional/graduate school is enormously expensive. Save what you can now.
@parent2020confused I wanted to point out that the Catholic chaplaincy at UMD is reputed to be excellent. It has a large staff and active student body. It wouldn’t at all be the same experience as at a Catholic college, but it could still be very good. With the money that your family saves, DD could take summer philosophy/theology/bioethics classes at CUA. (I think that there is some sort of consortium that would enable her to take a few classes at UMD prices, but you’d have to check). Also, you would have the money to fully fund a summer medical mission trip with a Catholic organization. Just a thought. Good luck with your decision!
If your daughter goes to UMD, I recommend trying to get a dorm on the south side of campus, near the Catholic Center. If that doesn’t work out freshman year, it could easily work out later on. The Campus Commons apartments are right next to the Catholic Center.
UMD is not only the best school within the affordable range, but at least the second-best school on the list. I know Catholic is a preference but I’d be hard-put personally to turn it down for Providence - the nearest Catholic school on the list - especially Providence at a little more money.