Wellesley vs. UVA/W&M

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Some background info:
I am an only child, and my family's income is ~$85k (before taxes, of course, and this is one parent's income; the other is unemployed). As a Virginia resident, I would be paying in-state tuition at UVA and W&M. My college savings account has about enough for four years of undergraduate study (tuition only) at an in-state school. I'm not sure exactly how much money that is, but it's probably anywhere from $30k-50k.</p>

<p>Wellesley is my dream school. I love everything about it -- the fact that it's a women's college, the great alumnae network, the campus culture, its proximity to Boston, small size, faculty-student interaction... I truly feel that I would flourish in such an empowering environment. While I was offered financial aid (in the form of grants, loans, and work-study), my parents still have to pay ~$35k/year, which they are unsure they can manage without taking out extra loans. (The total price tag for Wellesley is ~$50k, which includes tuition, room/board, books, etc.)</p>

<p>I visited UVA last year and wasn't exactly impressed (I might've chosen the wrong class to sit in on). That being said, I know I can't judge the school based on a single visit, so I'm still considering it. I know I could grow to love UVA, and, of course, there's the financial incentive.</p>

<p>W&M might be better fit for me compared to UVA, but I don't really like the fact that it's in Williamsburg. While its academics are on par with UVA's, it is a little less prestigious (ranking-wise), but I don't know if that's too big a deal. Again, I would have four years of tuition paid off there also.</p>

<p>Since all three schools are great schools, I am not sure I can justify paying the extra money to attend Wellesley. The only thing that's keeping me from making the financially smart choice is the fact that I honestly, truly believe that Wellesley is right for me. I feel lukewarm about the other two at the moment, but I do understand the clich</p>

2

<p>How much of a difference between Wellesley and W&M? and what do you plan to study?</p>

3

<p>Other than single-sex vs. co-ed, I would say location, definitely. Being 15 miles away from Boston = endless internship opportunities. Also, Wellesley students can take classes at MIT and a couple of other schools.</p>

<p>The majors that interest me at Wellesley are Computer Science, Media Arts & Sciences, Neuroscience, and Psychology (in order of preference).</p>

4

<p>How much of a cost difference between Wellesley and UVA/W&M?</p>

5

<p>I'd go to UVA. I'm currently deciding between UPenn and UVA (I live in Philly) and I'm pretty sure I'm going to choose UVA.
I was talking to a freshman there who is having lunch with a Supreme Court justice next week (Scalia). I think opportunities for whatever you want to do are abundant at UVA. I can't tell you about the departments of the area you want to major in, but UVA, to me, seems like a much more spirited and close knit school than UPenn is (even though UVA is bigger!).
And the climate... IS AWESOMEEE.
And Washington D.C. is not far away, so interning shouldn't be a terrible problem. The only competition would be Georgetown students, but UVA is tied with them anyway.</p>

6

<p>My EFC at Wellesley is about $35k/year, which is basically the cost of tuition. UVA in-state tuition is a little under $9000/year, and I think W&M is about the same. With room/board and book expenses added, UVA/W&M come out to be a little less than $20k/year.</p>

7

<p>Does $9000 includes room&board? It seems a little low if it does. Do you want to live in a dorm?</p>

8

<p>No, $9000/year is tuition alone.</p>

<p>
[quote]
With room/board and book expenses added, UVA/W&M come out to be a little less than $20k/year.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>I would be living in a dorm, yes.</p>

9

<p>So the difference in cost between Wellesley and UVA/W&M is really $10K not $20K, that assumes you will also live in the dorm at UVA/W&M. I would go to your dream school, Wellesley. It's nice to follow your dream. Though sometimes it maynot always turn out the way you expect.</p>

10

<p>Well, that's assuming my family can comfortably pay the EFC, which we can't. I would still have to take out extra loans (probably $15k-20k/year) on top of the loans already offered (slightly less than $3000) to meet even the EFC at Wellesley.</p>

<p>As much as I want to go to Wellesley, I don't want to make a bad decision, since debt is a serious matter. I could have anywhere from $60k-90k in debt by graduation, while staying in-state, I'd probably have less than $10k debt (if any at all).</p>

11

<p>If money is an issue, definitely goes to the school you can afford.</p>

12

<p>I'll be visiting Wellesley soon, so maybe I can appeal for more aid. Should I call the Financial Aid office now to talk about this or should I wait and speak with them in person? (Or both?)</p>

13

<p>Go to William and Mary. Forget begging for more financial aid. You'll have to start dealing with men sooner or later.</p>

14

<p>I'm not experience with dealing with financial aid at all. I would think it's best that you visit them and then perhaps talk to them in person.</p>

15

<p>35K/year + 3K loan = 38K you'll have to pay for Wellesley
less than 20K for UVA or W&M</p>

<p>Do you see yourself paying 6-700/month after graduation for 10 years or more? Does anyone really go to Wellesley to major in CS? I mean, it's not traditionally a CS school. For CS, too much hand holding is bad for you, i.e. doesn't reflect the real world.</p>

16

<p>Also Wellesley is known for grade deflation. I don't know how that pans out for graduate school.</p>

17

<p>
[quote]
I mean, it's not traditionally a CS school.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Wellesley students are allowed to cross-register at MIT, though... but I get what you're saying.</p>

<p>And I didn't know about grade deflation at Wellesley. Hm.</p>

18

<p>If you cant afford Wellesley but like a close knit/undergrad focused school, def go to W&M. Its the best deal going in America for in state kids that want an "Ivy/Private" experience and prestige for the price of Va Tech. As you mature, you will appreciate W'burg more and more. Dont let that bother you.</p>

<p>Good luck</p>