A "is this a good college" thread for all college searchers...

[LBAK]

disneylovin24- How about Sacred Heart or Fairfield. I"m guessing youre on or near LI so Hofstra wont do but I do know a lot of kids from my DD's high school loves theses schools. Marist or Quinnpiac also a thought.

 

[disneylovin24]

Youbetcha . Both of my kids went to the Univ. of Scranton and LOVED their time there. They have done a lot of new construction recently including a new student center and sophomore dorm which are finished, and a science complex and upperclass apartments (including an additional dining location and fitness center) are under construction and scheduled to be completed by fall, 2011.

The campus is well maintained and dorms and buildings we have been in have always been spotless. It draws students mainly from PA, NJ and NY, but both my kids had friends there from the west coast and other countries as well. Academics are first rate with the sciences being very strong (their med. school acceptance rate is fairly high). They have a unique honors program offered to the top (approx. 50) incoming freshmen. We also found they were fairly generous with merit and need based aid.

My DD knew that was where she wanted to be when she first set foot on campus when we visited. There was a vibe and a feeling she didn't get from any of the other schools on her list. DS actually started somewhere else and transferred to Scranton for second semester freshman year.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

That's how I am feeling about my top school right now, it's nice to know that I am not the only person to have experienced this!

 

[disneylovin24]

disneylovin24- How about Sacred Heart or Fairfield. I"m guessing youre on or near LI so Hofstra wont do but I do know a lot of kids from my DD's high school loves theses schools. Marist or Quinnpiac also a thought.

I do not like Marist or Quinnipiac's location. I have heard bad things about Sacred Heart, just mostly that it's a very public education at a private price.

 

[punkin]

I understand about student loans and am fine with taking them out. I have done math with my cousin who owes 100 grand and we figured out that if you make 45k (his salary) you can have your loans payed off by the time your 30. I do not think that's bad. Now, I do know that I may not make 45k right off the bat but still, I am fine with paying student loans. And I know you are going to try to convince me otherwise because I am young and all but you are not changing my mind! I already know where I really want to go (all of the other schools are just backups) and I will pay whatever to go there because that is how much I loved it.

Oh Boy. Well, good luck. I hope everything works out for you.

I agree with golfgal that student loans are not necessarily evil. However, I do think that parents need to help their students understand how much debt is acceptable just starting out.

 

[tar heel]

I have been to a lot of places upstate and it is not me! And I know that i do not want a female college! I am somebody who has never had a boyfriend and one of the things I am most excited about in college is to start dating! I know that there are other schools around but I want to be able to go to school with guys.



I understand about student loans and am fine with taking them out. I have done math with my cousin who owes 100 grand and we figured out that if you make 45k (his salary) you can have your loans payed off by the time your 30. I do not think that's bad. Now, I do know that I may not make 45k right off the bat but still, I am fine with paying student loans. And I know you are going to try to convince me otherwise because I am young and all but you are not changing my mind! I already know where I really want to go (all of the other schools are just backups) and I will pay whatever to go there because that is how much I loved it.

I'm not sure what your cousin came up with, but mathematically, it's not possible to pay off $100,000 in loans in eight years without making some very large payments. I would never recommend to my sons that they do that, especially if they were majoring in a liberal arts field such as political science. I also encouraged them to go places that we could fund, so they graduated with no debt. We're not telling you this is a bad idea to be mean, we're telling you this because we have a lot more life experience and know what we're talking about.

 

[MUFFYCAT]

Read this

Please...everyone posting to this thread should read this.

Thanks cruisin
I'm not a fan of accumulating big loans for school. I agree with the writer that the state schools could provide a very good education for an excelleant price.

 

[golfgal]

Thanks cruisin
I'm not a fan of accumulating big loans for school. I agree with the writer that the state schools could provide a very good education for an excelleant price.

I have to disagree with the "excellent price" in most cases. I know that Mrs. Pete has had a different experience but in our area if you are an above average student or better, so a 3.5 or better (on a 4.0 scale) you are almost guaranteed to pay less at the private schools here then you are at any of the state schools simply because they just have more money to give--ESPECIALLY in this economy. Even a student with a "B" average is going to pay about the same for a private school as they are for a state school. Most of the private schools here will meet your need, so if your EFC is $20,000 and a state school costs $20,000, you pay $20,000. If your EFC is $20,000 and the private school is $40,000, you pay $20,000 and probably a bit less because you are able to work with the financial aid department a bit more. This is why my first piece of advice on college shopping is do NOT shop on price until the financial aid package comes through because until then you have no idea which school costs more then the other.

 

[bballmom56]

That's how I am feeling about my top school right now, it's nice to know that I am not the only person to have experienced this!

Yes, I understand. However, she was near the top of the applicant pool, so received a large merit scholarship plus some need based money. We would not have been able to afford it otherwise. Then she would have had to look for another school where she felt the same thing. I'm sure she would have found it. There are lots of great schools out there where you can be happy AND not be overburdened with debt. But you have to research, visit and ask questions.

I understand about student loans and am fine with taking them out. I have done math with my cousin who owes 100 grand and we figured out that if you make 45k (his salary) you can have your loans payed off by the time your 30.

I know you have made up your mind, but how does that work? $100,000 paid off in 8 years would have to be $12,500 per year (not including interest). That would be over $1000/month!

And that $45,000 is probably his gross pay rather than net pay. So from that $45,000 the employer has to deduct social security, unemployment, disability, fed. and state withholding, health benefits and whatever other deductions they have. Add to that your day to day living expenses such as food, rent, utilities, transportation, plus the unexpected expenses that always come up and there isn't much left over. And that is IF you get a job paying at least $45,000. There are no guarantees, except if you have the loans you will have to pay them.

 

[allison443]

I do not like Marist or Quinnipiac's location. I have heard bad things about Sacred Heart, just mostly that it's a very public education at a private price.

What does that mean? You know some public institutions are much more highly ranked than some private ones, right?

 

[allison443]

I have to disagree with the "excellent price" in most cases. I know that Mrs. Pete has had a different experience but in our area if you are an above average student or better, so a 3.5 or better (on a 4.0 scale) you are almost guaranteed to pay less at the private schools here then you are at any of the state schools simply because they just have more money to give--ESPECIALLY in this economy. Even a student with a "B" average is going to pay about the same for a private school as they are for a state school. Most of the private schools here will meet your need, so if your EFC is $20,000 and a state school costs $20,000, you pay $20,000. If your EFC is $20,000 and the private school is $40,000, you pay $20,000 and probably a bit less because you are able to work with the financial aid department a bit more. This is why my first piece of advice on college shopping is do NOT shop on price until the financial aid package comes through because until then you have no idea which school costs more then the other.

From some of your other posts, it doesn't sound like your state schools are that impressive to you. However, there are some state schools that are more selective, well-regarded, highly ranked, and much better known, with great alumni networks, when compared to some privates. There are some state schools where a "B" average kid wouldn't be accepted, much less get a scholarship.
I don't understand why there is this viewpoint that private is always better than public (not directed to you, Golfgal!). Unless you are talking about need-based financial aid, but there are many cases where that just isn't a factor.

 

[Anne34]

Thanks -- that's interesting. This suggestion about getting in-state tuition came from the director of admissions, and would be a key factor in allowing my son to go there. Even out of state, it's not as expensive as some of the private colleges he's looking at, but we certainly can't afford either the out-of-state tuition or the private colleges. In-state, we might be able to manage. We'll have to check that out further.

My DD is a senior at a west suburban HS near Chicago. Several kids we know are going to WM. (One for music) My DD did go to their meeting at school and all the paperwork we got said that they do give in state tuition if you spend the year there (including summer after freshman year) and you will get in state tuition. She also would be eligible for a scholarship based on her ACT scores.

She ended up picking another school, but we are seriously looking at WM for my sophomore son interested in engineering who doesn't want to go to a huge school. He's also looking at Marquette, Valparaiso and Bradley.

 

[golfgal]

From some of your other posts, it doesn't sound like your state schools are that impressive to you. However, there are some state schools that are more selective, well-regarded, highly ranked, and much better known, with great alumni networks, when compared to some privates. There are some state schools where a "B" average kid wouldn't be accepted, much less get a scholarship.
I don't understand why there is this viewpoint that private is always better than public (not directed to you, Golfgal!). Unless you are talking about need-based financial aid, but there are many cases where that just isn't a factor.

I think everyone knows that but a lot of people simply discount private schools because of the price tag right off and those of us that have experience with private schools are letting them know that a state school isn't always the least expensive option just because the starting price tag is smaller. If you look at the "TOP" schools, however, they are all private schools but there are many, many top notch public schools as well.

 

[MUFFYCAT]

I have to disagree with the "excellent price" in most cases. I know that Mrs. Pete has had a different experience but in our area if you are an above average student or better, so a 3.5 or better (on a 4.0 scale) you are almost guaranteed to pay less at the private schools here then you are at any of the state schools simply because they just have more money to give--ESPECIALLY in this economy. Even a student with a "B" average is going to pay about the same for a private school as they are for a state school. Most of the private schools here will meet your need, so if your EFC is $20,000 and a state school costs $20,000, you pay $20,000. If your EFC is $20,000 and the private school is $40,000, you pay $20,000 and probably a bit less because you are able to work with the financial aid department a bit more. This is why my first piece of advice on college shopping is do NOT shop on price until the financial aid package comes through because until then you have no idea which school costs more then the other.

I agree with you on that theory. I guess the bottom line for me I don't want to spend more then $20,000 a year. Wether it be merit aids and grants from a private college or paying the full amount to a state college.

Our EFC comes to near nothing. My older DD was a B student and we wouldn't be getting enough money so she went to a SUNY. She wanted to go to this school since 10th grade anyway and so far we have been very pleased.

I wouldn't want to see my kids to be graduating with loans over $80,000.00 and they don't either.

 

[TimeforMe]

If you look at the "TOP" schools, however, they are all private schools but there are many, many top notch public schools as well.

Not sure what you mean by "TOP" schools??? If you're talking ivy league, then yes. Off the top of my head, I would consider UVA and Michigan both "top" schools and I know there are plenty more. Just FTR, it is almost impossible to get into ivies these days just by virtue of having an excellent GPA and extracurriculars. God only knows what their criteria is because there seems to be no rhyme nor reason.

 

[java]

How is their computer science program?





[QUOTE=bballmom56;40101591]Youbetcha . Both of my kids went to the Univ. of Scranton and LOVED their time there. They have done a lot of new construction recently including a new student center and sophomore dorm which are finished, and a science complex and upperclass apartments (including an additional dining location and fitness center) are under construction and scheduled to be completed by fall, 2011.

The campus is well maintained and dorms and buildings we have been in have always been spotless. It draws students mainly from PA, NJ and NY, but both my kids had friends there from the west coast and other countries as well. Academics are first rate with the sciences being very strong (their med. school acceptance rate is fairly high). They have a unique honors program offered to the top (approx. 50) incoming freshmen. We also found they were fairly generous with merit and need based aid.

My DD knew that was where she wanted to be when she first set foot on campus when we visited. There was a vibe and a feeling she didn't get from any of the other schools on her list. DS actually started somewhere else and transferred to Scranton for second semester freshman year.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask![/QUOTE]

 

[kbeverina]

Not sure what you mean by "TOP" schools??? If you're talking ivy league, then yes. Off the top of my head, I would consider UVA and Michigan both "top" schools and I know there are plenty more. Just FTR, it is almost impossible to get into ivies these days just by virtue of having an excellent GPA and extracurriculars. God only knows what their criteria is because there seems to be no rhyme nor reason.

There was an article the other day about UVA being the best value among public universities. William and Mary, James Madison and Virginia Tech were also in the top 50. The article says the average debt at graduation from UVA is $19,000. In-state tuition is $10,000/year.

http://www2.dailyprogress.com/news/...st-value-among-public-universities-ar-860833/

I guess that's why I always tend to agree with Mrs.Pete on this. I'm sure there are cases where a private school can cost less for that student and is a better school than the state schools around here, but those are the exceptions, not the rule.

 

[tar heel]

Tuition and fees at the UNC branches are roughly half as much as UVa's. Both of the flagships are in the top 10 in the list just sited. It's really hard to find a private school of similar caliber that can meet the fee -- there's plenty of lesser ones, of course.

 

[geffric]

Midwestern here..so I can talk about schools in ILL or IA or Indiana best..
DS#1 used a book called colleges that changed lives..went to the open house and selected school from there..

My oldest son wanted small liberal arts schools - we visited Roanoke, VA; beautiful school, no football only soccer, great campus, but DS#1 loved the location but hated the classes..
Knox College - Galesburg, ILL ..not sure what was wrong but never applied.
Beloit College - Beloit WI - only would look at it once i said i would not come and visit him..loved the school, was a great fit, come out of the interview beaming.. was on his list as one of 2.. didnt offer as much money as Cornell.
Ealham College - in IN.. very radical, quaker owned so it has plain buildings, very active campus..he loved his overnight and the class, good fit.. but never applied as his college counselor never heard of it..
Bradley University in Peoria IL - the biggest school we saw.. and it had about 5,000.. it seemed very fun and focused.. but once the counselor said students from our high school applied and were admitted.. was a way for them to put the students at ease..only my child got this look on his face and that was it.. one of his criteria was that no one from his school was going there.
Cornell College in Mt Vernon, IA ( near IA city and suburban Cedar Rapids..)
loved it.. exactly what he wanted, is a one class at a time school.. so each month is a different class.. he goes to school from 9-11 and then from 1-3..5 days a week..and completes a class each month.. it is his learning style.. and everyone on campus has the same schedule, so no one is asleep while another has an early class....
He is a sophmore there and loves it. it was a good choice for him..


The next son was totally different = went to visits at U of FL, U of IA,U of ILL, U of IN, Perdue, Ohio state and Miama of Ohio..he is currently going back and forth re ILL and IN..

Iowa was more medical than he wanted as well of they didnt offer him as much $$$ as others.

Florida was not interested in him as he was so far out of state, even though he had a 31 ACT, and a 3.9 on a scale of 4, and an Eagle scout to boot.

Ohio State was too big, Miami of Ohio was too small ( although beautiful.. all the buildings were the same brick)

Perdue was too enginering for him, as he wants business..so we are down to U of ILL and U of Indiana.

Ill is not as pretty as Indiana, he is accepted at both as direct admit to the business school, but he keeps waffling.. we spent last weekend there and he went to business classes and stayed in a dorm type private housing.. we did look at other private housing, seem the cost the same as a dorm and he get so much more.. loved Illini Towers.. suite arrangement- 4 students per bath, full kitchen, living space plus bedroom.. cafe is open and serving food from 7 am to 7 pm and is near the B school.. the school wouldnt let us view public dorms..
we are going to Indiana , again, for another visit, dorm overnight and more classes.. ..Indiana ( bloomington) did give him LOTS of $$$$ to go there.. ILL has no money so is not giving scholarships.. but instate tution is 10K lower then out of state..

 

[kbeverina]

Tuition and fees at the UNC branches are roughly half as much as UVa's. Both of the flagships are in the top 10 in the list just sited. It's really hard to find a private school of similar caliber that can meet the fee -- there's plenty of lesser ones, of course.

Yes, UNCs are even more crazy affordable. I know a lot of kids around here applying to UNCs Greensboro, Charlotte and Wilmington and the out-of-state costs are not much more than in-state here.

 

[golfgal]

There was an article the other day about UVA being the best value among public universities. William and Mary, James Madison and Virginia Tech were also in the top 50. The article says the average debt at graduation from UVA is $19,000. In-state tuition is $10,000/year.

http://www2.dailyprogress.com/news/...st-value-among-public-universities-ar-860833/

I guess that's why I always tend to agree with Mrs.Pete on this. I'm sure there are cases where a private school can cost less for that student and is a better school than the state schools around here, but those are the exceptions, not the rule.

I guess it is all how you interpret the data. According to this: http://www.globalscholar.com/collegefinder/1979-harvard-university/costs-financial-aid-tuition.aspx the average debt for Harvard grads is $9717. If you make under $60K/year, Harvard is free.