Duke Early Decision Vs. State Flagship

Moonmaid
Sun, 18 Aug 2013 10:16:48 +0000

Here is a huge consideration: Duke is EXTREMELY generous with financial aid. They meet 100% of need after EFC. And they cap loan amounts every year by giving grants. Here is a page for you to look at:
[Duke Financial Aid: Building Your Award](http://www.finaid.duke.edu/undergraduate/prospectives/howitworks/awarding.html)
Students often make the mistake of thinking they cannot afford a private college with a huge pricetag, but often these schools are the most generous. For example, my daughter goes to Vanderbilt and receives $52K in aid. We are not rich, but not poor either, just about average working class (I’m a teacher and my husband is a catering chef). My daughter was heavily recruited by our local state school but would have had to take out much more in loans. We split the amount of loans every year; she will graduate with less than $20k in debt, which is probably comparable to the $10K I graduated with in 1983. The Duke name will open certain doors and provide you with a lifetime connection with other alumni. The research opportunities there are amazing. I think if you get in ED, then you should seriously consider going.