Raceme117

While I have not received my final financial aid package offer yet, I am anticipating a gap of about $10,000 a year or so (based on the early decision estimate). With that being said, is Davidson college worth the potential $40,000 in debt upon graduation? I would be an economics major with an interest in banking or consulting. Would I be able to land a job able to handle the debt load?

ncmentor

This is a very easy answer... Yes Davidson is worth every cent of it... Many people would dream of having a Davidson education at such a huge discount. Grab it... I bet 10 years from now you will look back and see this as the best investment of your life.

amplifiar842

Davidson is well worth debt.

TTwhite

well, one thing to consider too seeing you wanna do econ and banks - Charlotte is a HUGE (huuuuuugggggee) banking center. im positive that davidson has internship hookups and relationships.

Raceme117

Well, we just got the package and I was pretty much on the money. Ha, no pun intended. Anyway, all jokes aside, I will most likely be at least $40k in debt upon graduation from Davidson. I'm just worried about taking this on and leaving an unnecessary burden to my parents who I know will strain themselves financially to help me significantly lower that amount, even though I've told them time and time again that Id make the decision and take on what they can't pay.

Zetesis

I don't think anybody else can tell you and your family how much debt to take on, or how much to strain the finances. It's easy enough for others say that Davidson is worth the debt -- but they're not paying your loans or straining the family finances. I understand your dilemma, and wish you and your family the best in making this tough decision.

Raceme117

It looks like after a recent increase in grant aid, the debt load will decrease to about 25-30 thousand, possibly lower. Am I right in assuming Davidson is worth this amount of debt? This amount is much less straining on the family.

amplifiar842

It's sort of what Zetesis said.

Honestly, if I knew I were going to be just a few thousand in debt, I would have still come here, because I think it's the best college in the world...but it's a personal choice

FauxNom

Race - It's impossible to answer this without knowing your other options and your family's financial situation. But trying to look at it objectively, debt at that level seems like a reasonable deal. Davidson is a top-ten LAC that offers an excellent education and seems to truly care about its students. You will find your intellectual peers, and that should help you get the most out of your college education. It will be well worth it in the end if you plan to take advantage of the great things that Davidson has to offer (this phrasing is not fluff; many college students just see college as 4 years of fun with academics as a necessary evil, so I'm talking about truly getting the most out of Davidson).

Caden

$40,000 for a Davidson education does not seem unreasonable. But only you and your family know your situation. Also, do you have any other quality alternatives? Something you and your family must decide.

gregb

i thought davidson eliminated loans and replaced them with grants?

TTwhite

that doesnt mean that what they calculate as need and give you grant for actually covers everything that you and your family can/will

gregb

so if a family makes under 50,000 there still may be quite a bit of debt?

amplifiar842

I would think if the family makes under $50,000, that would be the case where need might be determined as full and they would give up to a full ride. Or need might be considered substantial and a lot of aid would be given. Typically the less your family has, the more aid they'll give you.

TTwhite

i would suspect that if you got in, you'd get 100% in need based grants (youd have to work on campus during the year and wherever home is during breaks, likely). can't promise anything though, but id say its very likely. good luck!