I’ve received five acceptance letters. I am currently waiting on three Ivy League schools, but that’s probably worthless because I’ll likely be denied.
To preface this, I originally applied to schools with an interest in political science, but I have recently changed back to what I really want to study (had it in mind for nearly all of high school except end of 11th grade and beginning of 12th grade), computer science (so an engineering major).
I’m trying to make a decision on which school I should go to. It really seems like its financial aid based, but I’m not sure what to do.
Penn State University, Main Campus
-Good for Engineering/Computer Science
-Unfortunately received very little aid because they offer very little.
-It would cost around $30,000.00 per year.
-This could possibly drop with the arrival of some private scholarships and PHEAA grants, which aren’t view able until May.
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh
-Good Engineering Program/Computer Science
-Again received minimal aid -> they’ll be re-reviewing my academic scholarships because of a special problem, so I might get more money at some point.
-It would cost around $27,000.00 per year.
-Again, it could possibly drop with the arrival of private scholarships and PHEAA grants.
Gettysburg College
-No engineering program (beside 3+2 program, which I don’t want to do a fifth year)
-There is a computer science department, but I’m not sure about the credentials
-They offered me the most aid and the price per year will likely be $17,000.00
-I’m not entirely interested in the culture anymore.
George Washington University
-There is an engineering program, and it is accredited. I’m not sure of the true merit though, especially outside of the DC area.
-Offered considerable aid, but the cost of attendance will still be $31,000.00 a year.
-Because it is out-of-state PHEAA grants will be minute
Boston College
-No engineering program
-Cost of attendance will be $32,000.00 a year.
Currently, I am leaning toward Penn State. I think it has the better programs for my interests and if I don’t want to pursue computer science, I could switch to a different engineering major relatively easily. My problem is that it will cost me $30,000.00 per year. What do you think is the best offer for my situation?