<p>poetgrl…For this student’s sake, I certainly hope you’re correct. I’ve read many of your posts, and I know you’re much more level-headed than the “ignore the cost…go for your dream” crowd. I’ve also read way too many “I’m drowning in student debt so what do I do now?” threads/articles, etc. to ever advocate a student take on anything above the Stafford limits…and usually recommend they not come anywhere close to them if at all possible.</p>
<p>I fully realize the John Jay opportunity makes this situation pretty unique, but I just don’t see it as being $60K unique (or $40K unique for that matter). If a young AA man had no opportunities presented to him by earning a UF degree maybe I’d view it differently, but I doubt that’s the case. As with anything in life, an opportunity is what you make of it. Attending Columbia as a John Jay doesn’t guarantee success, nor does attending UF doom him to a life of underachieving.</p>
<p>I wish him nothing but the best whichever path he chooses.</p>