What's the Real Story of High Point University

Parents Forum
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<p>If it’s just the hype and the PR, it would become apparent as the students go through the year. It seems to me that they are doing a lot more than that. They are putting money and attention to things most colleges do not to give the kids a more comfortable life at college.</p>

<p>I understand perfectly well why some people are down on HP’s endeavor. None of us like the idea of pampering college students. As it is, they are over pampered as compared to most college kids in the world, and the luxuries have escalated in the last few years. I was stunned to see the changes in my old college. Where there used to be just the cafeteria and a ratty old snack shack, there are food courts galore and many eateries, not just on campus but forming a ring around the campus, also accepting college bucks. The cost is high for this plethora, but oh what riches. And in addition to our old basic dorms with cinderblock walls, no air conditioning, no elevators, modern apartments have been built with single bedrooms for each kid , featuring double beds, a kitchen with frig, stove, microwave, dishwasher, and attractive furniture. Yes, it made my eyes glow green, and the thought did occur to me that we were pandering to a bunch of spoiled brats.</p>

<p>I’ms sure that touring the campus is going to make me huff and puff a bit and probably outrage my husband. The reason is that the money is clearly going to luxuries and comforts to pamper the college student instead of towards academia. That is the reason. The fact of the matter is that Highpoint is no worse than a number of colleges that do not spend their money as HP does, so no one is interested in commenting on them. They are no competition. But when a school that is at a certain academic rep level starts attracting kids who can go to higher rated schools because the amenities attract them, this brings on some fear. Somewhat justifiable because if all the schools started to join the student luxury club, the direction it will lead is not towards bringing up the academic level which most of us feel is the colleges’ mission.</p>

<p>Many schools that have a relaxed lifestyle and beautiful surroundings, beaches, sunshine etc get the country club label in scorn. But if your kid is looking at schools at around that selectivity, and those test scores, and this would enhance the chances that he enjoys college and actually graduates, it may well be a good choice. </p>

<p>There was a time that I would have sniffed at this strategy that HP is using. But my kids have mellowed and humbled me to the point where I have to face the fact that getting out with a degree is a big achievement. That they learn a little something, grow up somewhat, enjoy these years at college means a lot as well.</p>

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<p>^cptofthehouse</p>

<p>Well said, but ------ have you ever visited HPU? </p>

<p>Your reasoning sounds a little sterile, and i wonder if you would have the same reasoned dispassion if you spent some time on campus and experienced the culture of marketing $160,000 joy ride aimed at 17 year olds.</p>

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<p>I haven’t read the whole thread but at $160K to $200K grand for a diploma-- why shouldn’t it be a nice expereince! Duh-- HP you are brilliant! </p>

<p>In the NE region, choosing a name brand college is like “the emperor has no clothes”-- wow you’re going to Famous Joe Schmoe U… student goes there, crummy accomodations, crummy food, regular profs, non english speaking TAs, crummy cold weather, but wow–we know of you b/c a gazillion other B- students before you went (back in the 70s, 80s) when it only cost $15K a yr.</p>

<p>Student feels like they should love bing in small LAC in NE-- but it kind of stinks. </p>

<p>Why not go to HP?</p>

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<p>why does everyone who likes HPU always claim its ranked 5th among USNWR comprehensive universities when its actually 5th among baccalaureate colleges (its even found its way to high point citys wiki article)? Did USNWR change their category names a few years back? Or is it used car salesman talk?</p>

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<p>@Brooklynborndad:</p>

<p>Very good point.
Let’s not forget, that they are 5th on this list:</p>

<p>1 Ouachita Baptist University
2 John Brown University
3 Erskine College
4 Covenant College
5 High Point University</p>

<p>and not 5th on this list:</p>

<p>1 Rollins College
2 Elon University
3 Stetson University
4 James Madison University
5 The Citadel </p>

<p>and certainly not 5th on this list:</p>

<p>1 Harvard University
1 Princeton University
3 Yale University
4 California Institute of Technology
4 Massachusetts Institute of Technology
4 Stanford University
4 University of Pennsylvania</p>

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<p>livesinnewjersey- I so agree with your thoughts on some of our schools in the NE. My oldest son just graduated Wake Forest in NC, and I have been asked many times "is your son still “down there?” or “your son goes to the school down in the boondocks, right?” If I were to say he went to Seton Hall or Manhattan College, there would be instant approval because here in the NJ, those colleges are recognizable “name brands.” It seems you can’t get away from small minds, no matter where you live!</p>

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<p>njmom, I agree with you! It is pretty sad, isn’t it? Wake Forest is one tough school!! Congratulations on his graduation from Wake!</p>

<p>Those “boonies”, btw, have a lot going for them. If we were not stuck in NJ because of employment, we would be residents of those boonies and I could send my kid to one the boonie NC public Us for exactly half the cost of Rutgers, Ramapo. Rowan, Montclair, Stockton, or NJIT, etc. Oh, and my properties would more than likely be AT LEAST half of what they are now.</p>

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<p>^^I hear ya NEM…</p>

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<p>I am hearing you about those taxes, northeastmom! And thanks for recognizing that “the boonies” have their own merits, I personally love Winston-Salem. It is very artsy and just the right size for my family. Thank you for the congrats on graduating son- he just loved his time at Wake, and is so appreciative of being able to attend.</p>

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<p>^^^^We posted our “hearing you” remarks at the same time, Rodney! ^^^^</p>

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<p>Maybe they just shouldn’t even let schools exist if their ACT / SAT scores are so low. “Those people” shouldn’t be allowed to have a college experience.</p>

<p>Really, why the vendetta about HPU? If it doesn’t appeal to you, then don’t go or don’t send your kid there. Problem solved. I don’t particularly like Liberty University either but the great thing is, no one has put a gun to my head and insisted I go.</p>

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<p>I have been to Winston-Salem, and it is a very nice area. I have also been to Wilmington, Asheville, places near Durham, and to Charlotte, and to some beach areas in NC. All lovely, and hardly “the boonies” IMO.</p>

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<p>Love Wilmington! Heading down to Wrightsville Beach for a few days at end of August! Even though I live on Jersey Shore, there is something to be said for water that is warm and so clean! Glad to meet you, northeastmom, you are an enlightened Jersey girl!</p>

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<p>Glad to meet you too! Well, in NJ, you do have some nice beach areas that have been on the upswing for some time. We have been to Long Branch, and we see changes currently in Asbury Park.</p>

<p>I’ll send a PM to you about where we were when we visited Wilmington. I don’t care to post it on cc.</p>

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<p>Yay, for the NC boonies. Home Sweet Home.
NEM, the UNC system is raising tutition at all colleges in the system. Everyone is upset. Ours is going up $390 this year and $200 more next yr. Some schools are doing a phase in and others are doing it all at once. UNC-CH and NCSU are going up $750 this yr.
We just got our Fall tuition bill for S2…$2398…the price you pay for going to college in the boonies:)</p>

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<p>…and boy am I jealous of the folks who pay under 5,000 in tuition for THE YEAR in the horrible “boonies”. </p>

<p>.</p>

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<p>Packmom, compare your hike, to Rutger’s hike for this year. The following is from NJ.com:</p>

<p>NEW BRUNSWICK — The average Rutgers University undergraduate will pay $12,559 in tuition and fees this fall — nearly double the cost of attending the state university a decade ago — under a plan approved by the school’s board during a tense meeting in New Brunswick today.</p>

<p>The 4-percent hike was relatively low because the Legislature has capped tuition increases at New Jersey’s four-year public colleges in the new state budget. But the tuition increase, coupled with hikes in mandatory fees, will keep Rutgers among the most expensive state colleges in the country.</p>

<p>Just know that this is not where the costs end. Our room and board costs are hefty too, in my opinion.</p>

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<p>Just joining in the lovefest for NC and NC colleges - S1 loved his first year at Wake Forest and S2 could easily end up at Elon…and then we could move down to NC…</p>

<p>Incidentally - while I have not visited High Point - and probably won’t any time soon since I don’t think it meets all of S2’s needs - I have a good friend whose son just finished up his freshman year there and loved it. Honestly - if there was more religious diversity at HPU - it would be on S2’s list as a safety.</p>

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<p>We moved to coastal NC almost 20 years ago from Mass. and was at the beach earlier today. :slight_smile: Lucky Us…</p>

<p>I’ve spent at least some time at most of the campuses in NC and could not agree more that the state universities are affordable and outstanding. UNC- Chapel Hill, NC State, UNC - Wilmington, Appalachian state, and many more are available to talented NC students at very low cost…</p>

<p>Duke, Davidson, Elon, and Wake Forest are the states incredible private schools… </p>

<p>Beyond that you’ll find High Point, Catawba, Campbell, and a couple dozen schools that each are good schools for the right student.</p>

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<p>Yeah, a love-fest for NC! We do have a significant lack of public transportation; If you come here, expect to drive a lot.</p>