Comparing COA in FA letter to earlier estimates

Yes, bar discounts, but sadly none on Illinois state colleges:-(

It really is too bad about the state financial disaster that led to Illinois’ stupid high in-state tuition. For Physics, schools like Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio State, Michigan State and Purdue may offer enough out-of-state aid for top students that make their very solid programs price competitive to Illinois in-state tuition.

Kansas and Nebraska are bargains for Illinois residents looking for a good Physics program. You are essentially guaranteed scholarships that provide the very affordable in-state tuition there. Of course, states like Nebraska are actually financially solvent, while Illinois is teetering toward bankruptcy every month this state budget stalemate continues.