<p>Great info Arts and Letters, love that you mentioned finding the fit and how running from any financial risk can lead to an undesirable outcome as well. There should be balance and a family determines that. A student that finds the right fit is way more likely to be successful than the one just trying to get the four years overwith in the college they were stuck in to save a few bucks a year. That lack of inspiration could lead to a lackluster career as well. I also believe it is a personal and family choice on how much to take on or not to take on, there is so much background not given on a forum to make blanket generalizations to anyone. The college one attends is a big deal and can change their life for the better or worse, so they really need to evaluate it and not be told what is right or wrong for them. It is different than 20 years ago, much more competitive and a name brand college can make a difference. Some people would never consider a $120k Mercedes, others have no issue with that whether borrowing or not. Their choice to make. If a school is your Mercedes and you want to work for it, then go for it. Of course this is easier applied to students who are really willing to work who have shown they are responsible and proven, not an average student looking for the party life of college. Parents should know which type of kid they have by now and whether the investment is worth it for them or the kid to make. But even then, still their choice.</p>
<p>I too know a girl that took the big scholarship cause dad thought the dollars made more sense there, and disregarded the fit, was miserable (and often sick) for her two years and left in January and is waiting to start the school she wanted to go to in the first place this fall. Missed the whole great positive college experience. And parents didn’t save much with the extra travel and all the issues they dealt with. Financials have a place, but fit for student and goals is very important.</p>