Most of the remaining admission decisions will be here soon. Consider these tips when evaluating your options. https://www.collegeconfidential.com/articles/admission-outcomes-can-require-daunting-decisions/
I’m glad to see “cost” at the top of the list. Our daughter is a sophomore in college, and we stressed the financial aspect to her. She always knew she would accept the school that gave her the best deal. She passed up some super prestigious schools for a school where she got a full ride–and I’m sure people wondered what the hell she was thinking. Just the other day, she called me with a comment about interest on student loans and was so grateful she didn’t have any–as a senior in high school that didn’t register. I advise other parents that their kid might not realize it, but they can be equally happy at many different places.
I don’t think the college loan debt is “real” until it is (just as spending with a credit card is a lot easier than doing it with cold hard cash, somehow). When those loan payments eat into your budget to the point where they dictate where you live (and with whom), how much you save (if at all), if you get medical care when you need it (because that isn’t free, even if your employer provides it), and what you can buy, you can really start to question the value of the education. If you can make a choice that allows you to be debt free or to keep that number down to a minimum, you are giving yourself the best gift you can. We are able to fund our D’s undergraduate at a top state school and are happy to do so. If she had pushed for a private that wasn’t throwing anything her way, then, yes, she would have had to have some skin in the game. A graduate degree is also on her if she wishes to pursue it.
Just because consumer credit is relatively easy to obtain - and “everyone” seems to be doing it - it doesn’t mean it’s the only way or the right way for YOU.