<p>Hi there, I’m looking for some info about dual-degrees…I’ve read as much as I could find on the Bucknell website, but I still have a question or two, so any answers would be appreciated.</p>
<p>First of all, I’m not too sure as to what the extra cost is…could someone help me on that? I mean, I know that it will be the same as attending for an extra two semesters, but is there still financial aid available for that?</p>
<p>Second, I was wondering how feasible it is to dual-degree in, for example, Comp. Engineering and Political Sci, and still minor in something else (International Relations, perhaps…all of this is hypothetically speaking, of course lol). Is that even possible to do, or does it (a) cost an exorbitant amount and (b) ruin any and all social life you might have? I’m interested in at least part of that, but I plan on enjoying myself in college too, so if it would mean that I’d never see the light of day, that idea is probably out the window. Thanks for any insights.</p>
<p>Lastly, I was wondering how much financial aid you can feasibly get out of Bucknell…I’m hoping for a Dean Scholarship at least, maybe a Presidential Fellowship if God decides to smile on me, but I’m wondering how much beyond that they will help with. I’ve got very little outside of scholarships/loans (although since I’m a junior, I’ve probably got a little time at least to save some money), and I was wondering what the average package looked like.</p>
<p>Thanks in advance for any and all answers. Good luck to everyone in their college search!</p>
<p>Do you want a dual degree or a dual major? You can double major and still graduate in four years. Although it may be more difficult for an engineering student. I don’t know.</p>
<p>Financial aid? Who knows. Some people complain that Bucknell is stingy. But if you get a Dean or Presidential, that would be great.</p>
<p>morrismm, the five year dual degree programs are for students pursuing degrees in both engineering and either business or the liberal arts. its basically a dual major, but is structured as a five year program given engineerings extensive degree requirements.</p>
<p>anyway…</p>
<p>1) i am almost certain that financial aid will be available for your fifth year of study. and i only say ‘almost’ because i dont actually know anyone who failed to graduate in four years.</p>
<p>2) if youre getting a political science major (which has international and comparative politics options), minoring in international relations really isnt necessary. that said, it should be possible. it wouldnt kill your ability of have a social life, either, as thats kind of the point of completing both sets of degree requirements as part of a five year program instead of a four year one. (and you might not even need five years if youll have a good number of ap credits.) that said, as an engineering student there probably will be the occasional weekend in which it will be very unwise to be, uh, social.</p>
<p>3) in terms of financial aid, all need-based aid is, well, based on the financial need of your parents. each school to which you apply is going to calculate and potentially meet that need somewhat differently (for example, bucknell is different than most schools in that it excludes equity in your primary home but consequently assesses income/other assets at a higher rate), but this calculator is a good place to start:</p>
<p>[FinAid</a> | Calculators | Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and Financial Aid](<a href=“Your Guide for College Financial Aid - Finaid”>Expected Family Contribution (EFC) Calculator - Finaid)</p>
<p>getting your parents to fill this out NOW (select ‘institutional methodology’ in the ‘need analysis methodology’ box) will get you an idea of how much a typical good private school is going to expect your parents to pay out of pocket each year. (that is, federal loans are going to help meet your need, not your parents expected contribution.) if the number is impossibly high, then its going to be important that you target schools with good merit aid opportunities, affordable sticker prices or exceptional financial aid policies (like those at harvard, yale and princeton). thats not to say you have to take all other schools off your list, but the last this you want come next spring is offers of admission from six schools you cant afford and one safety school you can but dont really like.</p>
<p>FYI, D is in the Eng/Mgt program. So we will pay 5 years of tuition. Financial aid office confirmed for me that her Dean’s Scholarship would be valid for all 5 years.</p>
<p>Wow - Thanks for all of the fast responses! ericatbucknell, I realize that it’s probably a redundant thing, but the International Relations minor seemed to offer more in the way of learning directly about foreign nations (i.e. the Middle East) than a straight Poli. Sci. degree did, so that’s the only reason I’m really thinking about it. And I’ll keep that last piece of advice in mind lol.
JustaMom, thanks for the info on the financial aid…that’s a big relief, so if I get at least a Dean’s (which I’m praying for, although I’m sure everyone else is too lol), it would still be valid for year 5.</p>
<p>Thanks again everyone!</p>