<p>We have one kid in a deluxe private college. He loves it (fortunately the college was also very generous to families in our considerably under $175K price range). </p>
<p>We have another kid in a happy state college (not the flagship either). He’s having a blast and learning tons. </p>
<p>My point being that a well rounded citizen can get a great education at more than one place. If the path opens up for an excellent private college, then, by all means explore that option. But please, please, please don’t have a snobby or “burdened” air about having to attend a state college. </p>
<p>True story: I lived overseas in an area where there were garment factories. Enslaved women sewed clothes seven days a week for shipment to the U.S. Sometimes they would have a stack of jackets and one seamstress would sew in the label for a top U.S. department store (think tippy top price wise). The seamstress next to her would have the identical jacket and she’d be sewing in labels for a mainstream department store. One jacket would sell for $800 and the other for $40. Same jacket. </p>
<p>So you think there are some differences between a well known private college and a well known public? Yeah, you’re right – probably better carpet in the dorm rooms, more parking and some cool stuff like a 24 hour ice cream bar. But better professors? Not necessarily. Better job opportunities after the degree? Depends on the degree and the economy. </p>
<p>I wish you’d learn to spot quality (like being able to see when two jackets are the same) instead of associating quality with price. There is great joy in seeing when something is of great quality and is a steal, price wise. It’s also shrewd business, whatever the college the buyer matriculated from. </p>
<p>Please do know that NW marketing will sense your interest and will throw plenty of colorful brochures your way. This is good. It’s nice to be courted. But please see beyond the brochure and learn to dig out what’s not being said. For instance, the tour guide mentioned an intern that did well. So, was that one student out of every two or one student out of last year’s two thousand?</p>
<p>Good luck. It sounds like you will get to college – and I’m glad you are figuring out your price range well before the admissions letters arrive.</p>