<p>re saving money if a college freshman commutes- post #128. There is a huge cost to not being on/near campus as a freshman. So much happens outside the classroom and in the evenings/nights. Limiting students to schools they can commute to from home severely limits their academic possibilities as well. There are plenty of students who have to forgo college experiences because of finances.</p>
<p>Not all flagships offer much merit aid. UW-Madison has no automatic aid for a gpa or test score. They don’t need to to attract top students. Dorms are optional all years but for freshmen a good idea. I am so thankful I could live on campus instead of commuting the hour or more by bus and living the 8 miles away. I would have missed so much after hours learning.</p>