<p>D got accepted to both and even though the tuition is lower at W&M more financial aid from Holy Cross. We live in MA so Holy Cross geographically is easier and she can get home whenever she wants. I worry about being so far away and feeling "trapped" that she's unable to come home except at Christmas and end of school year.</p>
<p>Anyone have any opinions on how these two schools compare and about not being able to get home whenever you want.</p>
<p>She really wants W&M but I know I can't manage the tuition without lots of loans.</p>
<p>We were going to drive down for Admitted Students Day, but I'm thinking what if she absolutely falls in love with the school and it's an impossibility will she just resent not being able to go. </p>
<p>Is financial aid ever increased. My income/expenses haven't changed, but D has 3 younger sisters and I have to think about them too. l am a single mom by the way so there is only one income.</p>
<p>I guess I’m biased as I’m a Holy Cross grad and the father of one. I know that William & Mary is a great school but I think it’s hard to beat the education and the overall college experience that your daughter would get at Holy Cross. Kiplinger’s ranks it #8 among all US liberal arts college as far as value. Student satisfaction is extremely high as demonstrated by the very high graduation rate (W & M surely does well in that regard as well) and the 50%+ alumni giving rate. People don’t donate $$$ to colleges where they had a sub-optimal experience. Then to be able to save money for the family’s younger children-- a bonus. As you live in Massachusetts, I assume you’re visited HC and hopefully love the beautiful campus. Whatever you all decide–you’ve got two great choices and I wish your daughter luck whatever she decides.</p>
<p>If she really wants to go to W & M, you may have to tell her that she’s going to have to take some of the financial burden of going to a more expensive college. (That’s what my parents told me, and it’s definitely making me lean towards the cheaper college of the two I’m considering!) I know W & M is a great school, but I’m sure HC is just as good.
She should go wherever she’s happy, but she needs to definitely consider the prices of the two.</p>
<p>I was thinking William and Mary until you said you would have to take out loans. If you could swing it without putting yourself in debt that’s one thing, but it really isn’t fair to expect you to make that kind of sacrifice.</p>
<p>I agree ^. I was going to say W&M, but HC is fine too. Plus, there’s the added costs to travel, which can be expensive if you add that over 4 years. I say go with HC and if she hates it, then reapply to W&M as a transfer.</p>
<p>I grew up in Mass and also attended HC and was glad to be able to get home on an occasional weekend and also to be near extended family and friends. As an alumnus, it is nice to be able to easily get back to campus for social events. I turned down Notre Dame and other prestigious yet more remote schools for Holy Cross for geographic desirability and am glad I did.</p>
<p>As ugly as Worcester is, it still is only around 45 miles to Boston from there and it is part of the greater Boston metro area. The MBTA runs to Worcester from Boston and the local television shows are all Boston-based. Worcester does have some hidden gems like their fabulous art museum and the Higgins Armory Museum but it is a former manufacturing city which lost its industries around 50 years ago and the numerous mills and factory worker three decker homes and diners remain.</p>