<p>I am trying to choose between Wash U and Brandeis and right now there is a large gap in the costs of each. Wash U offered me 11k in need-based grants, and another 10k in loans and work study, while Brandeis offered 25k merit scholarship. I plan on bargaining with Wash U and have already communicated with my financial aid officer. Any advice about that? Other than that, obviously Wash U is a much more highly ranked institution, but what are other benefits of Wash U over Brandeis over vice-versa. My parents can only afford 20k a year.</p>
<p>You need to decide the best school for yourself–not based on a subjective “ranking.” Although WUSTL ranks well in recent USNWR surveys, Brandeis outranks WUSTL in other surveys, including the recent Forbes survey of best colleges. Both are great schools. So look at each school’s individual pros and cons and visit if you can. for some Brandeis specifics, I refer you to my answer to your similar questions in your parallel post:</p>
<p>See: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/financial-aid-scholarships/899317-wustl-vs-brandeis-how-much-loans-too-much-other-stuff.html?highlight=brandeis[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/financial-aid-scholarships/899317-wustl-vs-brandeis-how-much-loans-too-much-other-stuff.html?highlight=brandeis</a></p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>Thank you, I replied in the other thread.</p>