<p>A few random, disjointed thoughts:</p>
<p>Without wanting to discourage your dreams, I would ask you to consider the possibility that you might change your ultimate goal between now and the time you graduate from college. How many times do college students change majors? If you take (the possibility of) going to medical school out of the equation, are those expensive schools still worth it?</p>
<p>Having said that, as a parent my main concern is that my children find the right school for them. My son is going to attend a Cal State school, something that is looked down upon by many people in our area. My son would have likely gotten into a smaller private school but he ruled out applying b/c of cost. The school he chose is small in size, offers his major, is geographically desirable to him, has nice dorms and all you can eat food on the meal plans AND more females than males. In other words, it meets all <em>his</em> requirements. THAT is the school where he has the best chance to succeed b/c that’s where he wants to be. Thankfully, he chose a school that costs under $20k and we can make that happen.</p>
<p>Ultimately, you have to consider where you want to be for the reasons that are important to you. Take what’s affordable to you and your parents into consideration, though, b/c none of you should be saddled with debt for 15+ years.</p>
<p>My brother graduated from Harvard in 1989. He and my parents borrowed for that. He then went to veterinary school. More borrowing. He’s making a very good living now but only paid off his student loans in the last few years. My parents were still making payments (that I know of) as recently as three years ago and they’re about to turn 80. (My brother sends them money each month to offset this because he can afford to do so. He doesn’t have kids.) Do you really want your parents to be in debt for you into their old age?</p>