I was admitted to Yale 2021 without any kind of financial aid. I was also admitted to my state university with a full tuition scholarship. This university has some particularly strong programs, but I am interested in humanities and its college of arts and sciences is average.
To choose Yale would cost my parents over $250k, but they are not pressuring me either way. So many people are telling me to take advantage of a Yale education because it is afforded to so few people, but others tell me that I would be crazy not to take advantage of a “free” college education. I don’t yet know what I want to do after school.
I am very lost with this decision. Can someone please provide me some thoughts?
It’s hard to say without knowing which state school or your parents’ financial situation.
DS applied EA to Yale and Michigan (OOS); he was accepted to both. “His” state school is Rutgers. We wholeheartedly wanted him to attend Yale; one reason we manage our finances well (and with some luck) is precisely so that DS could make his decision on purely academic/social/fit grounds. We are full pay and delighted to be.
I don’t know your parents, but I understand how much gratification a parent can get from having a child attend Yale. We could not be happier.
ETA: ps he is making great use of Yale’s resources, as is his brother at Skidmore.
My kids both could have attended our state flagship at little or no cost. Instead they chose Princeton and Duke, with some financial aid. The expense was not insignificant but none of us have any regrets.
My son also received a full ride to our state school, along with a full tuition scholarship to another excellent OOS public school. But Yale was his dream and we knew it was a perfect fit for him. I’m sure he’d get a great education at many places, but the opportunities he’s had already at Yale are phenomenal. He felt a bit guilty because of the cost and it’s definitely not easy, but I wouldn’t change our decision. Everyone’s circumstances are different. If your parents can afford Yale and support you in going there, you are very fortunate. If it creates a huge hardship or you must take on a lot of debt, that’s another story. Good luck!
PLEASE, I WARN YOU. DON’T base a 250k decision on college confidential.
Many people on college confidential are too blinded by the prestige of Yale to offer rational advice.
I’d agree with @Dunboyne . For an exceptional student like you, it’s never Yale vs. state school. Wait for your other decisions to come, and consider merit scholarships. Research and visit the schools if you can. I know a student last year at my school who gave up Yale (no financial aid) to attend Duke (which gave her a full scholarship + room and boarding) because she knew she was going to attend med school after undergrad, and med school costs a lot.
If you looking to attend grad school or medical school, you should consider this with YOUR FAMILY. This should be a family decision.
@notquiteyalie, I think it’s fair to say that most, if not all, domestic Yale admits could receive substantial merit funds at many schools.
Still, half of Yale students are full pay. Only a small percentage of those families make so much that it is inconsequential.
Talk to your parents. You worked hard to get where you are. You are not crazy. Most kids, and you’re still kids, don’t know what they want to ultimately do, and most of those who think they do know, will change their minds.
DS, a Yale junior, shows signs of having launched well already. To a parent: priceless.