<p>@dividerofzero - Yes, finances are the first “barrier” to be considered. Everything else is secondary to that. I don’t go so far as to say that a student should shy away from all debt (although that is ideal of course!) but it has to be very limited. Personally I think no more than $25K total after all 4 years, but of course others might have a bit different opinion. However, anyone that thinks it is OK to go $50K or more in debt for undergrad is just wrong IMO. Anyway, not to get off track.</p>
<p>I really wanted to say CMU is an amazing school. Best of luck there, and congratulations.</p>