<p>One of the problems we’re dealing with is how generous UVa was with their financial aid. We’re out-of-state, so we were worried about the high cost of education at either Virginia Tech or UVa. My DD was accepted at both schools, as well as an an in-state school, so we had a fall-back option. However, we were pretty turned off at the in-state school’s open house, and were hopeful for FA from her East Coast options.</p>
<p>UVa came through in spades, with a scholarship grant that lowered our cost of education to be on par with our in-state option with the inclusion of work-study, which was another $3500. Virginia Tech was not as generous. The discrepancy puts our cost of education at VT roughly $8K more per year than at UVa. My DD wants to study architecture, so we have to consider the 5-year degree at VT vs. the 4+2 masters at UVa. It’s a tough choice. VT’s beautiful and seems to have better architecture facilities, but UVa seems like it offers a broader-based education – and has better shopping!</p>
<p>FYI, my daughter will graduate as one of a few valedictorians in her high school in a class of 350, and she had good SAT and ACT scores. Don’t know how much that contributed to those FA numbers. </p>
<p>Regardless, after a recent visit in beautiful weather, she’s in love with the area and I’m sure would be happy at either school. Tough decision.</p>