Hey everyone! I really wanted a parent’s perspective on my dilemma. Basically, I am choosing between FAMU and howard (both HBCUs). Florida agricultural and mechanical offered me their distinguished scholars award (covers tuition and fees) and a scholarship from their school of business (room and board). Also, they sent me an application for a book scholarship from my states alumni chapter. Howard offered me their capstone scholarship (tuition, fees, and room) leaving me to pay books and board (although I have applied to many scholarhips and have gotten 1 so far ($1k)). However, if I went to famu I couldn’t accept outside scholarships for other costs within my coa because they would reduce my scholarship and its farther which would make it hard to come back for holidays/ breaks since I’m from Philadelphia. Also, I’ve heard that howard is more renowned and I like it’s mission. But I like famu’s scholarship offer better and the weather. Plus I feel as if I could do better academically there, which is important because I’m sure I will attend graduate school.
Congratulations!
How much will each school cost you once you have factored in all the scholarships?
You should be able to take out a loan to help cover the board at Howard and still keep your loans reasonable. Work study could also help.
I don’ t know much about either school personally; although, Howard is better known nationally. Howard does sound like a really interesting and exciting opportunity, especially with its being located in DC.
Famu would be free if I managed to get the pa alumni book scholarship but then I have to factor in transportation costs (so probs like 1k). Howard would require Approx. $5k per year. So far I’ve gotten one scholarship for 1k but it’s not renewable (most of my scholarships have not made decisions yet). I’m very averse to taking out loans (but my family said they would pay for it but I’m been searching rather crazily for outside scholarships even for this year. I have worked since the eighth grade so I could contribute some money. Honestly, I don’t know if I want to HAVE to work throughout college to pay for meals since I’ve seen how work can impact my grades.
Have you visited the schools?
Have you been to Tallahassee?
DC provides more in the way of opportunities.
You really have two good, affordable options. Your family sounds supportive and will help you out financially. You can graduate from Howard with reasonable debt (ie. I consider the amount of money it costs to buy a modest car reasonable debt). I would personally prefer Howard, but I am a complete stranger.
@txstella
I was only able to visit howard but I have family members that go to or have went to famu.