Hello, this is my first post here :))
I have applied to the three colleges listed in the title, but I wanted to see if I could find some insight into which might be right for me. I’m a first-generation, in-state student looking to study English as a major and Japanese as a minor (I know Winthrop doesn’t offer this, though), but most of all, my parents are not giving me any money for college. I do know that I qualify for Hope/Life and I’ll hopefully end up with the Fellows as well. Also, I am fairly certain that I will be admitted into Honors for CofC and Winthrop.
I would really love to attend CofC, but I am worried that it will be too expensive, between the actual cost of attendance and the cost of living in college. Anybody’s opinions on any of these would be greatly appreciated!
When you move off campus at Charleston - it’s very pricey. But there’s also ample work opportunities - many kids work “a lot” to pay rent. It’s in the tourist district so hotel banquets, retail, etc. I can’t compare to Columbia and Rock Hill but you will easily spend over $1K in rent alone - and potentially over $1500 at CofC.
C of C has a few programs within Honors and these come with more money - charleston fellows and international scholars (wouldn’t work as an english major). If you are service oriented, they also have Ketner Scholars.
U of SC and Winthrop - I’m not sure.
Keep your debt/expense in check -most importantly.
Good luck
I was planning to live on campus at CofC, is this the best idea? Should I sacrifice quality for price and go with the cheapest dorm option?
For cost - but the dorms are disgusting (at least the Honors dorm - Berry Hall - although it’s planned for retrofit at some point - and then you have to see if you can get four year housing.
My daughter doesn’t know anyone who stayed in on campus housing. I pushed for it - I’m sure some do - but that’d be a question for housing - can I stay four years?
Living on campus is not necessarily cheaper than off, most require meal plans that can cost around $6000 a year.
C of C estimates $14216 for room and board. Off campus rent alone is more.
So you’d want to find out about staying. But note the area overall is pricey - restaurants too.
Yes, you need to check both on and off housing. Room and board at Clemson was a few thousand less than my kids’ northeast dorming options, even at BU residential housing is around $20,000 a year, it’s cheaper for my daughter to live off campus (30 minute walk) with roommates.
First talk with your parents about what is comfortably affordable (minimal loans, no hardship) for your family and go from there.
I would not start any college without a firm plan to finance all four years – especially if other affordable options are available.
I am in SC. You will need to wait until you get your financial aid offers to understand the total picture and compare expenses. Look at who is giving your 4 year offers.
USC cost of living is less than Charleston and USC is usually more generous with aid
Are any within driving distance from home? That can help save some money initially if your family can not help.
Good luck!
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