<p>We’re a bit on the fence too with our FA package and options. DD received a Presidential Scholar, Tulane Scholarship, NOLA Award and other grants, an $8500 loan package and expected family contribution of approx. $4500. I know a lot of families would gladly trade places with us, but we’re finding it a bit hard to swallow. She was accepted into the Honors Program and we loved loved loved the City on our visit. Our other best option is a fully-funded guaranted 4 yr. (with book stipend!) ride at a state university two hours from New Orleans. Her dual enrollment credits will transfer, plus she’ll directly receive $ from the state for her high academic and ACT scores. So what’s holding us back? It’s the battle between heart and head. I just reviewed the 10 year tuition and fee history at Tulane; it’s an eye opener and we can anticipate things to only get more expensive each year. Grrr! Is it truly worth being poor as a mouse and go to Tulane, or “settle” for a public university in the Deep South with no financial worries? Grad school is definately in the picture, so that millstone of student debt will only grow heavier. . .</p>