I was also surprised by amount of merit at WPI for my kid (who doesn’t have a super high GPA). We didn’t apply for Fin Aid, though so can’t speak to that. I would have expected no merit, as it was a reach for them (not super reach, but a reach).
Thanks I will look at it. I had to look up the initials lol to figure that one out. lol
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Thank you I will look at those.
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Thank you, I hope he does too!
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DU (U Denver) won’t make $40K.
ODU shows $6K merit on the NPC - using a 3.5 (I used UW). So it’ll be a tad over $40K. Not on their website but on reddit it says you need to maintain a 3.25 - so that’s something to look at for any school - because while merit is great anywhere, it does come with strings. Hence another reason to consider schools that are full price under budget.
Old Dominion is ABET for Civil so it’s a good choice - outside of the cost factor.
But if you’re building a realistic list at $40K, then you have to choose schools that will come in at $40K - and if someone has a 3.5 and little rigor, you risk losing merit if they struggle in college - so another reason to pick one that hits budget regardless of scholarship.
Thanks. Miami of Ohio is already on his list (reluctantly) because we lived there for a few years and have family that attended. Good business program. DS has never felt that’s the place for him, idk he may change his mid.
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Thanks. University of Louisville is already on his list of potentials. You really are on the same page with my DS!
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The problem with Miami is with a 3.8 weighted, he’d need $18K - to get to $40K - and he’s not going to get close to that.
Again, it’s one you can apply to - but unless you are flexible on budget, he’s not going to end up there. Like a DU, Old Dominion or others mentioned.
Just being honest.
When you have a budget and a student that is - as you noted - wonderfully average - either you blow the budget or you plan appropriately.
Thank you. DS had Syracuse on his list but it was vetoed due to price and size. I know being “on the edge” at SUNY ESF would bother him.
GO TIGERS! 
Love love love Clemson! My DD attends. It is a special place. A very welcoming and supportive college. Can’t say enough positive things about it. It’s a great fit for DD. Unfortunately, it would be a very hard reach for DS based on selectivity and this years admits (that I know of.)
Also like VT - toured it many times - cleanest campus I’ve ever toured, big . . . and growing! (VT was a top contender for DD but the family feeling of Clemson won her over.) I am aware of VT’s CEM program and it sounds great. IDK if DS would fare well being lumped together with all the engineers (battling it out through all those weed out courses) esp when he’s not sure of what he wants to do. I fear he would get overwhelmed quickly. Again a hard reach for DS. If DS chooses to apply for either I won’t discourage him but I would definitely have him reconsider his major at VT.
I agree with you about the Construction Management, B.S. It is increasing in popularity. I’d never heard of it until about four years ago. Know of three people in that major now, all at different colleges. The statsistical studies re demand due to aging workforce and growing population make a lot of sense. Who knows, maybe DS will choose that pathway.
Congratulations and Best of Luck to your S25! (hint, hint)
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Thanks. It was on list then dropped. Appreciate the suggestion. Keep them coming! We have several more months before the real work begins!
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But that number includes kids who are eligible for FA. Based on merit alone there is little to no chance of WPI being close to 40K. I do like the school, however, but it was definitely one of the most expensive schools on my S22’s list even with top merit - he got a much better package from Holy Cross.
Thanks, I agree. When I went through college apps with my DD several years ago, we created a detailed master spreadsheet. Had one column just like you said, excluding books and personal stuff (some of the schools had unrealistic personal expenses $$$$$.) Had another column to add on trips home, gas OR air fare. Other columns, including one deducting merit or scholarships when awarded. It was eye opening for sure. Especially as the columns were updated. One “not really affordable” college became a serious contender.
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At VT they have both the CEM - which is engineering, and also Building Construction, which is not engineering and is more typical
Management. Yes, it’s nested in the Engineering school, bu only because the Myers Lawson School of Construction is under engineering. If it’s something he wants, I don’t think the Building Construction (or maybe Building Science, now I can’t remember) is even a fraction as competitive as engineering.
@S-sMo - how firm are you on $40k?
I guess I should clarify, some didn’t apply to enough “easy” targets. Still shocked about some of the rejections.
Thanks, I appreciate your honesty. Miami is nowhere near the top of DS’s list or on his target list. It’s high on the family list due to the multiple personal connections. It’s a win with whatever happens on this one.
In the end you asked for a list for an average student at $40k. I’ve seen, made myself many suggestions. I’ve seen others that won’t - and you noted it on some.
If you’re budget conscious, you need to build appropriately.
If something is possible, you can have it as long as you remove it if it comes in too pricey.
But start getting him excited about $40k and less full pay schools.
That’s your assured and sweet spot.
He may not be thinking with your wallet. You need to.
I wouldn’t be so sure about that. WPI is known for being generous. Have you run the net price calculator?
How did he get a package from Holy Cross? And how is it better than a package from WPI?
My S22 applied to both WPI and Holy Cross and was accepted to both so I am familiar with their aid packages. For that class at WPI, the max merit was about 25K per all the Reddit/CC posts leaving about a COA of about 50K.
The OP said they are not going to qualify for need based aid so merit is the only thing they can bank on.
To explain how something is a better package - HC offered us gobs of money - merit and FA. WPI just gave us merit (same with RIT).
Of course, always a big difference is whether or not a school meets 100% of need or not - HC does, WPI does not. However, that is only pertinent if a student qualifies for any need based aid.
Thanks for the clarification.
Until the OP runs the net price calculator, they don’t know what they’ll qualify for. And even that is only an estimate.
As they say, YMMV. And their experience might be different than yours. I’ll also note that Holy Cross starts out at $4000+ more than WPI to start with.