Yale vs. Wash U

Colleges and Universities A-Z Yale University
1

So I recently heard back from Wash U hearing that I received a full-tuition scholarship. As of right now I have no award from Yale, while I am appealing, and am going through the tough decision of deciding between the two.

I’ll give some background

I fell in love with Yale on my visit in October and after my visit and, ever since, have dreamed of going there. However, ever since I came back from Wash U’s scholarship weekend I really fell in love with the overall environment there. My scholarship was like a family and it made me feel at home right away. However, different Yale students have consistently reached out to me and answered any and all questions I had, knowing that even before coming to campus, I had students that cared.

I love the environment of both the current students and the incoming freshmen at both schools, I love the support in my major at both places (Cog Sci at Yale, PNP at Wash U), I love that they both would offer me a large sense of community, and (to be superficial) they have great food and great facilities.

I love both schools, and, worst case scenario, would have to take out many small scholarships, and a small loan for Yale, but I could afford to go. Wash U, however, I wouldn’t have to worry about money at all, would definitely be less financially constrained at all times, while going to a school that I loved. However, I think I would have bigger qualms about dropping Yale for Wash U, than I would about dropping Wash U for Yale. But being financially (almost) free for 4 years is pretty hard to overlook.

I know it’s my decision and I know that I am the only person that can make the decision, however, some advice would be greatly appreciated!

2

I live in St. Louis, and can say it’s an easy place to live. Not expensive, and generally an OK place.
My son attends Yale, and LOVES the experience. He’ll be returning this summer.

There’s a lot to say about being debt-free! You can always apply to Yale for Grad School, and have the freedom to choose without worry

3

I’m a Yale booster, but given the financial situation, my advice would be to pick Wash U. congratulations.

4

I suppose a good question to ask yourself is how much is it worth to you literally? Will you be debt free and yet spend all 4 years wishing you were somewhere else or will you be stressing about money the whole time wishing you had taken the full ride? Just how much is either the debt free part worth over potential loans? You have to decide this for yourself because you will be the one stressing over one situation or the other. You could say “regret or debt” what will weigh on you more?

5

My older son graduated from WashU and my younger son is attending Yale, so I know both schools to a good extent. Location wise, the Forest Park and Clayton area (where WashU is located) is wonderful and better than the surrounding New Haven in my opninon. Campus student life, culture, and the overall college experience though, Yale is truly unparalleled. I love WashU and it is highly reputable school, but I think my younger son is the luckier one in the family. Not to sway you one way or another, it really comes down to how much you value that experience - is it worth $250,000 or more? Or can you even put a price tag on an once-in-a-life-time experience?

6

“I love both schools, and, worst case scenario, would have to take out many small scholarships, and a small loan for Yale, but I could afford to go.”

What exactly does this mean? Has Yale provided a financial aid package for you? Have you already secured these many small scholarships? What can your parents afford to pay.

As your question hinges largely on financials, this would be useful information to provide.

Congrats and, honestly, you’d have a great experience at either.

7

Was the “scholarship” from Wash U a “fin aid” award or a “merit” award? This matters because Yale will often match financial aid awards from “peer” institutions (many have mentioned that Yale considers Harvard a peer - not sure about Wash U) but they will absolutely not match “merit” scholarships. No Ivy gives, or matches merit aid. Regarding the “many small scholarships” for Yale, it takes a lot to piece together enough small scholarships when you consider that next year’s budget is $68k and that the tab has been going up (and can be expected to continue going up) at the rate of about 4% a year.

8

While all things equal Yale would be the kind of obvious choice, no school is worth going into debt for, especially when the alternative in question is a very good and highly ranked school with many great offerings.

9

I agree the finances are an important part of this puzzle. If you’re talking about Wash U for free vs. full tuition at Yale, I’m with the others in the Wash U camp. If you’re talking about borrowing 5-10K/year for Yale, the decision gets a bit tougher IF you find Yale a better fit. If my Yale son was in your shoes, he’d be proudly wearing green and red right now;) Congratulations!

10

Are your parents willing to pay sticker price for Yale?