<p>Hi, I'm a high school senior at a private school in Massachusetts. I'm trying to decide between Saint Michael's College in Colchester, VT and Villanova University. The major factor for me is the money. If I went to Saint Michael's, it would cost a little over $8,000 per year and at Villanova, it would cost a little over $13,000. I like bot schools, but Villanova is my top choice. Would it be worth it?</p>
<p>I would say Villanova would be worth the extra cost. I think it would pay off in the end.</p>
<p>Hi Joe-
In the interest of full disclosure, I work at Saint Mike’s now so I’m slightly biased. But I’m only biased because I had such a great undergrad experience here.</p>
<p>I’m from CT originally and was actually choosing between Villanova, Saint Mike’s and a few other schools (GWU, Conn College among them). I weighed the options pretty heavily and money was for me an important factor, as it seems to be for you.</p>
<p>I will tell you that I was leaning toward GWU or Villanova until I visited Saint Mike’s. When I came to campus, I met with a few professors in the English department that blew me away. The campus, itself, was beautiful, Burlington is an incredible college town but only minutes away from some of the best wilderness activities in the country (skiing, Lake Champlain, the Long Trail, etc.), and all of the students I met were bright and more engaging than at any other school I had visited.</p>
<p>In retrospect, I would never go back on my choice to attend SMC. And in addition to the generous aid package they gave me, I was also able to be an RA for a year (for which you get a monetary stipend and room/board assistance), making the school even more affordable. Plus, SMC has the flexibility to look at individual student aid packages and make adjustments where warranted/necessary, something I’m not sure all larger schools can do.</p>
<p>Villanova is an excellent school and it does have some offerings that SMC does not- most notably a big sports program with a huge fanbase. And, of course, your decision should be based upon the specific things you’re looking for and that would suit you.</p>
<p>But in my case, Saint Mike’s could not have been a better choice. The individual attention from and access to my professors yielded me insights, learning opportunities and even job opportunities that I’m not sure I would ever have gotten at a larger school. And I remain very good friends with many of my professors to this day, in addition to all the great friends I made with my classmates. Those kinds of bonds are something I think really helps Saint Mike’s stand out.</p>
<p>Good luck in your decision!</p>