Why should I pay $200,000+ for BC when I could go to my state school for free?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Boston College
21

<p>It 's not a simple question if you can afford it, but not comfortably. You clearly would prefer to go to BC if the cost were the same as for your state university. The question is what it takes for you and your family to pay for the differential. And is it worth it for you and them to do this.</p>

<p>I’ve stated elsewhere that I could afford to pay for any college for my son if I do any number of things, like sell my house this year, pillage my retirement money that is already diminished below what we had planned or borrow without a clear way of repaying the loan. Either of those steps would do it. The question is whether it is worth it to do for one member of our family when he really does have other alternatives that would not make it necessary for us to do this. </p>

<p>So maybe you need to sit down with your parents and find out exactly what has to be done to pay for BC over State U. If they have more than sufficient savings but just want that extra cushion, it’s one thing. If they are not where they should be in that area, that is a whole other story. Can they really take on a loan for the amount needed to pay for 4 years there? Can you? It’s worth it if the down side can be covered all right, so the answer depends on the individual family finances.</p>

22

<p>“There is really no comparison between going to Boston College and a state school.”</p>

<p>As a native Bostonian, now living in NC, I have to disagree. Sorry! ;-)</p>

<p>We are middle-income near-retirees, not eligible for need-based aid. Our older son applied to several privates (Catholic) and to a bunch of publics. The privates did award him merit aid, for which we are grateful, but it was not nearly enough to cover COA (or even come close). Meanwhile, he has already been accepted at several of the publics, with merit-aid offers from two and potential scholarships from the others.</p>

<p>We are blessed to live in a state with a fantastic public university system. And, at this stage in the game, we are really not seriously considering the private schools where DS was accepted. We see now that even applying to them was a waste of DS’s time and energy. There is such a huge difference between the COA of the privates and the COA of the publics. The public institutions are close to affordable even without merit aid. With aid, they are a bargain. And all have excellent honors programs.</p>

<p>I do not mean to denigrate BC by any means. I have known many BC graduates. I have spent my share of time on that beautiful Gothic campus. But, unless one is wealthy (not just middle income), a $200,000 bill is just not worth it. For those of us–and we are many–stuck in that “just middle-income enough to qualify for NO need-based aid” group, an expensive private is simply out of the question. And for us, here in NC, with such great state colleges in the UNC system…well, going orivate just makes no sense at all.</p>

<p>Again, it would be interesting to learn what the OP’s state university is. But I’m betting most state flagships are pretty decent…especially if they have honors programs.</p>

23

<p>sugarcookie – do you have other possibilities that are somewhere between the big price tag at BC and the full ride at state U. There are plenty of great schools out there that offer merit aid and are appealling to the families that don’t quite qualify for needs based aid, but at the same time can’t really swing 50+K per year – for all the reasons cptof thehouse outlines. Ultimately, it’s a personal decision for you and your family. Good Luck with whatever you decide.</p>

24

<p>You’ve got some nice opinions and excellent points to draw from. My D is a BC junior majoring in accounting (CSOM). We are also “full payers” (with the exception of a $3,500 loan renewable annually). We are very average working-class folks that managed to put the majority of her college money aside through a 529 savings plan. Here’s why I am not second-guessing our decision: </p>

<p>My D interviewed with all four Big 4 accounting firms during several “mixers”, that were held last year Fall and Winter, for a summer intern position. She was offered positions at all of them, including jobs in San Jose CA, her first choice location with 3 of the 4. By the way, none of the firm’s partners/managers/recruiters she interviewed with were BC alums. </p>

<p>Would she have been as successful it she went to State U ? We will never know for sure. I do believe that the exposure that BC created and the reputation that BC possesses was a key factor in my D being able to take her pick of intern positions. I also know that attending the school is a very enriching experience in of itself, for most who attend, regardless of job offers-- if you can swing it financially. And, our state school tuition is getting closer to that of a private school as each year passes.</p>

25

<p><a href=“%5Burl=http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/1066272869-post20.html]#20[/url]”>quote</a> …There is really no comparison between going to Boston College and a state school. From the campus to the relationship with teachers to the smaller classes to even the food, Boston College will be superior. Therefore, your college experience will be better…

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Another prospective: </p>

<p>I have kids that have been accepted to BC and [Miami</a> University](<a href=“http://www.miami.muohio.edu/]Miami”>http://www.miami.muohio.edu/) and did intensive research on each:

[ul][<em>]They have similar academics (BC overall compared to MU honors), high quality campuses, and alumni networks. Miami has been [recognized</a> for “Giv[ing] the impression of an elite private university with a strong business program”](<a href=“Searching the Bargain Bin for a Premier Public Education - The New York Times”>Searching the Bargain Bin for a Premier Public Education - The New York Times).<br>
[</em>]Like BC, Miami is [very</a> dedicated to undergraduate studies](<a href=“http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/national-ut-rank]very”>http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/national-ut-rank); just behind Dartmouth, tied with Princeton and ahead of Notre Dame…a school similar to BC.
[<em>]Certain majors at Miami (architecture/music/fine arts…you have additional admittance criteria) are even more selective than BC overall.
[</em>] Miami offers [good</a> merit aid](<a href=“Page Not Found on the Users, Units, or Orgs Server | Miami University”>Page Not Found on the Users, Units, or Orgs Server | Miami University) based on the same scores that will let you make the cut-off to BC. As an out-of-state student, Miami would probably be less than half of what BC is when you consider the automatic merit aid; even better for in-state.
[/ul]</p>

<p>Dollar for dollar, a school like Miami will provide almost the same experience you get at BC for a lot less money…except for the Boston locale. There are [similar</a> schools](<a href=“http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/09/27/budget-ivy/]similar”>Searching the Bargain Bin for a Premier Public Education - The New York Times) that should be considered that provide a private elite experience at state school prices; eg: William & Mary and University of Virginia.</p>

26

<p>

</p>

<p>Oh please… </p>

<p>CTMOM just because your regret you college choice doesn’t mean that someone else in the same situation will react the same way. In fact, given the fortunate turns your life has taken it’s hard to see how some sub-standard school hurt you at all. While somewhat uniquely Catholic, your “you’ll-be-sorry-for-the-rest-of-your-life” guilt trip comes off as a bit ham-handed.</p>

<p>We have no idea which state the OP is from. Your description of a state university makes it sound like some sort of backwater gulag. Let me assure you that there are plenty of bright and happy students attending places like Virginia, Michigan and North Carolina. Given that the OP has qualified for the BC Honors college it’s entirely likely that he will qualify for his in-state equivalent, thereby shrinking the size of his experience.</p>

<p>I loved my time at BC. I go out of my way to talk up BC to any student or parent who makes the mistake of asking me about the place, but the place is hardly some idealized '50s college campus. Never in my time there did I see students lounging under shade trees reciting Byron or debating the finer points of Spinoza or Pascal. Admissions have gotten increasingly competitive; many great applicants can’t get into BC and find themselves relegated to the horrors of public institutions. Your imagery of State Universities sound like something from a very old tape; I think you are vastly overstating the differences between a BC and a state university experience.</p>

<p>Finally, I find the somewhat cavalier attitude with which you spend the OP’s parents money unconscionable. The OP may in fact have a better experience by attending BC, but those memories will fade under the relentless burden of servicing $200,000 of undergraduate debt combined with what he incurs in medical school.</p>

<p>If you can’t afford it it doesn’t matter how great the experience is; it’s college, not Nirvana.</p>

27

<p>Out of fairness to CTMOM, she did qualify her reply with “If you can swing it, or your parents can, it will be worth it.”</p>

<p>I also happen to agree with almost all of her positions on this.</p>

28

<p>I realized that by stating my opinion it would generate controversy, mainly among parents who are choosing for whatever reason to opt with their student for the more manageable solution, not incurring debt. If that is your choice, it is your choice, and you make it freely. You should have no guilt if you are doing what you think is best.</p>

<p>This student is at a decision making point in her life, along with her parents. She has an incredible option for BC Honors Program vs. her State school for free.</p>

<p>Would she get a fine education at both? Yes. Would she have the same experience? No. </p>

<p>Of course Boston College is not Nirvana, no college is, and it will be what you make of it. A hard working student can probably make it anywhere, given the intellectual assets. But after visiting almost every top school in the Northeast, both public and private, my opinion is that Boston College is one of the best experiences.</p>

<p>The location in the suburbs outside of Boston is highly regarded, by both parents and students alike. While still having access to the city, the suburbs offer a lovely setting and are safe. Professors care about the students. The food is great. The classes are stimulating. The students are smart. Everyone you interact with wants to be there. The alumni network makes opportunities happen, both now and in the future. Can you honestly say that anywhere on a State University campus these statements are all true? </p>

<p>Back in the day, I chose a small Catholic college with a full scholarship instead of an Ivy league school with half tuition paid. I was incredibly grateful to be able to go at all, given our family’s inability to pay. When I look back on that decision, it was impossible to do anything else, but I still wonder what it would have been like to attend the other school. If you work hard you will succeed, and my going to medical school was the result. Now our family pays for several children to attend college and professional school at the same time. Cavalier with other people’s money? Hardly. As you know, medicine right now is not as highly reimbursed as it once was. So paying for several tuitions and professional schools puts us in that same boat sometimes as parents struggling with the decision of should our student choose the full scholarship or the full pay? For our family, we would do whatever it took to have the better experience for our children. Even if that meant more loans, not taking vacations (which we never do), or other options. We realize that our choice is personal to us, and other folks don’t want to do the same. </p>

<p>I could not regret my decision because I didn’t have a choice, but after working to be first in my class in high school (out of 425), working during school and summers, commuting to school on public transportation, going to the library all weekend to do research, and then having options for college, if I had the money, it would have been nice to be in a top college instead of the smaller lesser known college. How can you regret a full scholarship? That’s silly. But can you regret turning down a top college education? Maybe. If this student has a choice and her parents have a choice, they may want to consider the Boston College option because her overall experience will be better. I fully believe this. There is no comparison between attending Boston College and a state school, no matter what your state school is.</p>

29

<p>And just as an addendum, while I am aware of the concept of “Catholic guilt” I am not Catholic. Intelligence knows no religious, gender or other boundaries. Boston College accepts all religions, as evidenced by my accepted student and doesn’t even consider religion in admissions. I was offered a full scholarship to a Catholic college and was not practicing any religion at the time. They never asked me what religion I was, and I never discussed it in any scholarship interview or essay.</p>

<p>If there is guilt among the parents for not choosing the private versus public university option, it is unique to them. Personally I believe the concept of guilt is impractical and refuse to accept any. So of course I would not have any one else bear its burden, but if they choose to bear it, that is their option.</p>

<p>Good Luck to the student who is choosing between state schools and private colleges. You can be a success wherever you go if you work hard and remain focused. I wish you the best!</p>

30

<p>Jshain, a good student from a good Accounting program that is a state school will do fine in a job search. SUNY Albany does very well with their business majors that are on the CPA track. </p>

<p>Where BC is particularly useful is if you are in Boston and are able to actively use the alumni network there. But if you were a mediocre student or in a major that is not skills oriented, it’s going to be tough finding a job making a living wage. My son’s close friend, a BC grad, is learning that graduating from there with a history degree even with honors is not going to net you a great job. I’m confident he’ll do well, but there is no big advantage to being a BC grad for him in Boston. With schools like Harvard, MIT and Tufts right there, the pizzaz of BC does not shine as with some schools in cities where one well known school can get you a big boost.</p>

31

<p>

</p>

<p>The same could be said for any private vs. public. But it is not necessarily only a four-year only experience. Money is fungible. Attending any other school for free and then having $220k in the bank when one graduates. Or use that money to pay for law or med school. Or, the new graduate could buy a home condo mortgage-free. Think about THAT experience! Obviously, if you are in the top 1% income earners and/or have other assets and a pension, it may not matter. But, if you are down the economic food chain…</p>

<p>concur with cpt: BC’s alumni network in strong in the NE, but not so much value farther away…accountants from any school can get jobs rather easily…OTOH, even HPYS Lit majors are finding that their ‘skills’ are not in too much demand…</p>

32

<p>CTMOM56, I feel exactly as you do.</p>

33

<p>Further:</p>

<p>The undergraduate experience is an entire package: Atmosphere, environment, academics, peers, professors, advisors, campus opportunites as well as the opportunities after graduation. Inevitably, the student will be influenced by much during this period, its a time of not only intellectual but also personal growth.</p>

34

<p>

</p>

<p>Not to bash BC or anything, but I think several public flagships–Michigan, UNC, W&M, UVA, Berkeley–are at or on par with BC, and not just in academics. That’s why I think it depends on which state the OP lives in, though I agree most publics can’t compare to BC.</p>

35

<p>

</p>

<p>100% true, but that’s not the OP’s question. The question is whether the entire BC experience is worth $200,000 more than the “entire package” at BigStateU (or any other school for that matter)? The only concrete example of how BC might be superior is that it’s a smaller more intimate place - A $1,000 a week, each week, every week for 4 years just so you can feel a little closer to a handful of professors? You might as well make it $10,000 a week; for the vast majority of students and their families that isn’t even vaguely financially possible.</p>

<p>Unless things have radically changed, the primary purpose of attending college is to get an education; to gain expertise in your chosen fields of interest. That’s what you’re paying for. Can BC teach you something about basic Calculus or Biology or Economics that you can’t learn anywhere else? Hardly. Is BC the only school with a strong alumni network? Are you telling me that the alums at Virginia and Michigan aren’t interested in helping out new grads from their schools?</p>

<p>Yes, education can be liberally defined to include things like meeting people from all walks of life, being exposed to different ways of thinking etc., but it’s the height of arrogance to think that those things are only available at private institutions. If anything, with a larger student population you’re more likely to find a more diversified student body to learn from. If you truly believe that only a private institution can provide those extra-curricular educational experiences you really need to visit places like the University of North Carolina, University of Virginia, University of Michigan, Cal-Berkeley, William & Mary or UCLA to name but a very few. You will be surprised to find happy, intelligent, well-adjusted and fiercely loyal students walking all over those campuses.</p>

<p>Finally, I take issue with statements like:</p>

<p>

</p>

<p>No modifiers, no hedging. No “you may regret it” or “you might look back and wonder”. Simply an “if-you-do-that-then-this-will-happen” statement of fact. How do you know? How does anyone know that the best experience of the OP’s life isn’t waiting for him at BigStateU? CTMOM, how do you know that the Ivy experience you so miss having wouldn’t have turned out to be a disaster? </p>

<p>I truly hope the OP gets a spectacular fin-aid package from BC so that this discussion is moot, but until then I stand by my position: I can’t envision anything that the OP will learn, see or experience at BC that justifies an additional $200,000 expense.</p>

36

<p>vinceh-relax</p>

37

<p>

</p>

<p>If one is seeking diversity, one is much better off a many publics. You will find far fewer folks from all walks of life at a private college where most tend to be full pay (they obviously think it is 'worth it", but they also have the $$ to spend)… At some privates, 65% of students are full pay, i.e, hail from wealthy families (as defined by Profile income/assets).</p>

38

<p>sugarcookie: I believe Springsteen’s son is still at BC. Go there and you might end up with the Boss as your father in-law! Now that is 200k well spent!</p>

<p>But seriously, I’m an advocate of private schools over public assuming the academics are comparable. However, if the money is going to be a hardship then maybe you should consider a lower cost school. Now determining if money is a problem can often be a whacky subject, especially out here in California. I have friends who’d rather send their kid to a big mediocre public than a good private because they like to buy new cars every 2 years and go to Hawaii every year. I don’t call that a hardship, I call that bad values.</p>

<p>All depends on your family’s situation, for instance it is no easy swing for me to pay $500,000 over 9 years for my kids to go to 2 top 10 private universities, BUT I’m in my forties and have a good job, so plenty of time to make more money for me. But if your parents are in their mid fifties or older…different story.</p>

39

<p>collegecarla,</p>

<p>who can argue with such well thought out insight?</p>

40

<p>blue, just red your post above. I disagree. take Cal or UCLA for example, there are two student bodies there, asian middle class and white suburban upper middle class. And almost all from California. Similar privates will have a much higher percentage of low income-full scholarship kids and a much more balanced race distribution, and kids from all over the country as well as a lot more foreign kids.</p>

<p>I don’t think any publics come close to the diversity you’ll find at your HYPS’s or your BC’s and USC’s. Now small privates in rural areas like Bucknell or UOP are probably more homogenous like state public schools.</p>