Anxious about financial safety

tsbna44
Sun, 18 Jan 2026 02:04:22 +0000

Has she eaten at both?

Have you looked at what UMASS Honors provides - in other words, Honors programs are different. Does she want the extras that UMASS offers? Smaller classes but may be required classes she doesn’t like - for example, my son didn’t apply to an Honors program with extra humanities required. You get an Honors dorm I believe - is it nice? Honors is more for the experience…in most cases it’s not going to help you outcome wise as there’s no place on job apps to list it. But it can totally enhance (or deflate) your experience - so you need to know what you’re getting into.

Beyond food, most would consider Amherst a more college friendly area.

You say you can afford both. Do you want to afford Amherst vs. saving $50K.

If you’re good with both, it’s totally a personal opinion then. If you’re in range, go back and visit both. Eat in the dining halls, tour the Honors complex (maybe even sit in a class). Walk the surrounding area. You might even ask to get set up with a student ambassador to speak with (can be done online too).

It’s funny - when you started this, you asked about merit - and I noted merit is irrelevant but cost is what matters (some schools are cheaper full pay than others with merit. And you noted a $40K budget - so it would seem UMASS is stretching for you but Bing isn’t?

Initially you noted you are NY residents but she wanted to go OOS. I’m not sure UMASS is what I’d consider out of state - yes, a few hours over a border but still near home. But if that holds true, then that’s your option.

What happened to UNH - you got $20K there - so that would be cheaper. You eliminated?

What is her major?

I think both will be solid choices - and it’s really personal fit/preference - but Honors will be different, Niche doesn’t rate Bing’s food (from student surveys) as good (a C+) but everyone has a salad bar and I’m sure they’ll find some good food there.

So I’d look at - does Honors fit me, the surrounds, food as you noted it’s important, etc.

I think UMASS likely wins in that sense - but then is the $50K 4 year difference meaningful to you and your way of life - you have to balance that. Plus, is her major going to need grad school and can it help there.

Only you can choose.

Best of luck and congrats to her. It’s the problem with getting into more than one school…choice.