Hi, My son is considering offers from Baylor, University of South Carolina-Columbia (Capstone Scholars), and Wisconsin. Does anyone have knowledge of these three schools? I’m most interested in student experience, sports, academic rigor, and culture.
We’re from New England.
He’ll have to take out loans no matter what. Baylor is $12K/yr more than UofSC ($48K additional debt) and Wisconsin right now is $19K more than Uof SC ($75K add’l debt). Are Baylor or Wisconsin worth taking out that much more in loans? (he’s already taking out alot just to go to UofSC).
Baylor, as you know is religious - and no one who needs money would apply to Wisconsin OOS - so not sure of that one.
If you are seeking sports, etc - I’m not sure of the student’s GPA and test scores, but there may be similar schools at a lower cost than these still available. But all three are big sports schools depending on the sports he likes - and all three will have their smart kids and the others who while, smart, may be more wild, etc…Baylor less so than the two publics.
Based on price alone - I’m going U of SC - but not at $48K additional debt.
Let us know if you want cheaper, still able to attain and very good options? For example, Western Carolina is $20K a year all in.
And if so, the students major and stats (GPA, SAT). There big flagships that might be much cheaper than both (what’s the net price for U of SC)?
Yes, he was accepted to University of Vermont (our flagship) but is vehemently opposed to staying local. We are still doing the accepted student day tomorrow. HIs brother is at UVM (taking out loans) and he has a younger sibling. I understand everyone’s comments about loans. There are not options on the table without loans. Just the way it is in our family and with his choices. He has a 34 ACT, captain of the football team, 97% weighted GPA, gifted pianist. Wants a big state school with prolific athletics and research opportunities and definitely needs to be challenged academically and surrounded by high-achieving peers. HE is majoring in either chemistry or exercise science/prehealth. Considering Physical Therapist or Anesthesiologist as a career. Thank you all!
We are among the middle class that makes too much for most-need based aid but do not have college savings. our educational funds have gone to K-12 private schooling.
So for big school substitutes, you can go to Alabama for $20K-ish. Not sure the price at U of SC - but it’s a fair substitute.
Mississippi State $17K.
You can get the scholarship until May 1. There may be other large publics - an Iowa State, Nebraska - not sure but Bama, Ms State are for sure.
So chem is a tough major to get a job and the others listed are even more school, more debt.
As noted, WCU (won’t be as big sports) is $20K all in. There might be other schools - but these would, I’m sure, be cheaper than what you see at U of SC. Wisconsin - merit aid is unusual so I wouldn’t expect it there.
Bama, Miss State and others have auto merit - meaning your GPA and test score automatically earn you the scholarship. Both, like U of SC, are in the SEC so SEC sports.
Given there’s likely grad school and more debt, i would suggest getting your costs lower.
As a Baylor alum, I would not choose that option in your case unless the student really values an environment that supports Christian faith and practice. If that’s a neutral factor, then it isn’t worth the extra debt.