<p>For those who will have multiple kids in college simultaneously, I’d also urge you to very carefully investigate how that will impact your financial aid at various schools. If your EFC is slightly above tuition, you will obviously qualify for no aid with one child enrolled. But, for example, once our younger S started college Northwestern (policy of meeting 100% of need) basically gave us two-for-one tuition, unlike many State schools who calculate need as if you are receiving In-State tuition (even for Out-of-State kids). Combined with D’s ability to graduate early due to AP credits, our total cost at NU will end up being less than our State flagship would have been with in-state tuition.</p>
<p>In addition, the school has funded many amazing experiences for our kids, including travel, Master Classes, competition fees, tickets to dozens of performances, recording costs and various other opportunities that would be hard to put a price tag on. </p>
<p>So when comparing prices of various options, it is important to look at the big picture.</p>