Interesting take on the PASSHE Tuition issues. Interesting.
I just wanted to make sure you knew that York College is not a state school. It is actually a pricvate school, but fortunately is very cost effective. Thank you for the PA state university information. Clearly, Slippery rock and Westchester are in much better shape than many of the others.
Thank you. Yes, I did know that York was private. Do you know anything about it? SRU and West Chester look strong as do others in the eastern part of the state. California and Clarion look like they are in big trouble as does Mansfield. Chaney is untouchable and will survive due to the important significant historical reality.
We took a visit to Westminster College of PA today. Beautiful campus, extremely friendly staff and tour. Great programs a strong swim team. My daughter said it was too small!!! lol. We keep trying.
Have you looked at some small, private Catholic colleges? In our area of the country they tend to love athletes and provide a solid education to those they feel can do college level work but may not have outstanding test scores and grades. You need not be Catholic to attend, of course.
Hi. We are visiting both Niagara and Canisius this weekend. Gannon is also on the list
Anyone have experience with Westminster College of Pa?
Can you report on Niagara and Canisius?
Gannon has a good reputation for kids in the B range - boosts them and helps them achieve to full potential (not sure if that’s the reality though, as reputations can be outdated/misleading).
Westminster = will look into file.
I seem to recall schools like Moravian and Arcadia rank better for 2.7-3.2 students.
We will visit Canisius and Niagara this weekend. I will let you know.
Thanks!
I didn’t read all the posts in this thread, so pardon me if I’m repeating, but my immediate suggestion would be IUP. It is well within your budget (total COA approx $21K), is a great “college experience,” and listed as one of the top 100 public schools. And her stats are within range for this school.
Westminster would be twice that much, cost-wise, and I don’t think it’s nearly as good as IUP.
Have you visited IUP?
@digmedia She has not visited IUP but she has competed in swim events there several times. Personally, I really like IUP. I am a Slippery Rock grad but it seems as if the PASSHE schools are in a downturn with all of the PA state budget issues. She would like to get a little further away but we definitely will keep IUP on the list! Thank you for your comments and suggestions.
One more suggestion: my son’s school, Ohio University. If she could get her ACT up to 22 or higher, I think she’d be admitted and even start to qualify for a tiny bit of merit aid. The higher the ACT, the more aid. OU has a BEAUTIFUL campus (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otFKWsg0r-o) and has EXTREMELY FRIENDLY students. The major downside: higher cost (since she’s be OOS). But the higher she can get her ACT, the more merit money she’d get.
^ re: Ohio U - my D had kinda mediocre grades - a low-ish B+ avg, but - she took lots of APs, and had a 31 ACT score.
Ohio gave her 10k for merit. Essentially waiving OOS fees… It was a much bigger scholarship than we’d anticipated for her. I was thinking they’d give her 3 k maybe, when she applied…
And really, her grades are not that great… I’m convinced it was the ACT score and and EC w/leadership position…
And yes, the campus and town are beautiful.
Alas, my D decided she liked Ball State in Indiana better, and that’s where she’s headed…
(I’d suggest Ball State, her stats are good for getting in there, but their OOS tuition is too expensive, imo. The only reason I let my D apply there is because they are part of the Midwest Student Exchange and as IL residents, we’ll get 1/2 off OOS fees. I think Ball is kinda stingy with merit to OOS kids, too, I think - which is their prerogative, of course.)
Fwiw, my D also applied to Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, and they also like kids with high test scores.
But with a 3.18, your D would get in-state tuition, I think, regardless of her test score. The 20 is adequate for SIU-C I believe. It’s also a really beautiful campus surrounded by the Shenandoah National Forest and many beautiful, hilly state parks.
SIU’s in-state tuition may be on par with PA’s - or it may be more pricey, so check that. They are always under-enrolled (everybody wants to go to UIUC).
@bester1 - CC is a great resource, but sometimes, you might ask for suggestions and then be overwhelmed by the responses. That’s not a bad thing. But in general, I notice that most kids/parents have such a limited view of choices and I always think, “Gee, if they only knew how many choices they REALLY could have.”
Just came back from Open House visits at both Niagara University and Canisius College. 1st of all, both were excellent, beautiful campus, considerate and kind tours, much, much information and potential great college experiences. Niagara is suburban and Canisius is urban. Daughter loved Canisius but felt Niagara was too suburban and removed. Niagara is less expensive. I am afraid Canisius would be too expensive. From a Dad’;s perspective…I would be happy with either but I was impressed with the more than 125 major’s at Canisius.
@bester1 - The best thing you can do right now is make sure your daughter knows that finances will be a part of the decision. She will have some great choices.
@digmedia - Thanks for your support. We have had that discussion many times…not sure it has sunk in - yet!!! lol. Your optimism is truly appreciated.
I see that Youngstown State University gets slammed online but I am wondering if any of you have any experience or thoughts? Forbes rates it at 649. How bad can it be?