Thanks to everyone for all the helpful replies. I have a much better grasp on the situation right now. I just applied to two other much more affordable schools that will work out.
@iStudyMan , try some of the schools MYOS mentioned. It’s in your best interest to be able to compare some offers.
Your GPA is good. Honestly, you might consider taking a gap year, studying really hard, and retaking the ACT for a higher score. Or try the SAT. If you can get a higher score and apply as a freshman next year, you might find that your stats are good enough to get some full rides. Look at this site for a list: http://automaticfulltuition.yolasite.com
It is compiled by CC users, though you will have to check each college to see if it’s totally up to date. Good luck.
@iStudyMan, I’m sorry about your experience. Many parents are also confused by college cost information. I’m glad you understand now that the college didn’t lie to you, but as a high school student you didn’t necessarily have the experience and financial savvy to parse the information given to you. Unfortunately many people, including many adults with years of experience supporting themselves and their families, don’t understand the realities of college cost and financial aid. Colleges themselves try to put their costs in the best possible light, and while not technically lying they often do give a false impression of being more affordable than they really are. A college will trumpet about how they “meet full need” but bury the add-on that they determine what “need” means, and for many families the difference is large. Plenty of schools don’t even try to meet full need but will still present marketing that touts the college as a great value financially.
Most adults understand that for other high-cost purchases, like cars, advertising is used to selectively present information to make the item seem like a great deal. Colleges do the same thing but for some reason people don’t tend to think of that as traditional advertising. Add in the fact that you’re a high school student who has not supported yourself yet, and it’s understandable that you would be confused.
I’m glad you were able to find more affordable options.
You do at my school, @thumper1. Try it: https://cce.ais.psu.edu/legacy-college-cost-web/netPricePageOne.xhtml
Other schools may be different, I don’t know. Hence I said “may,” not “will.”
When you found your potential debt to be much higher than the “average” debt presented by the school, it does not mean the school lied. It just mean you are having “above average” debt. Even if you ran their NPC and you found your actual financial aid to be much worse than their NPC, you still cannot blame the school. It is most likely due to your error in data input or complicated family financial situation (such as self-employed parents).
@iStudyMan – Remember, there are many great schools, and you can thrive in most of them. You do not need a degree from a private college or university to succeed. The vast majority of American graduates do quite well with a degree from the State U. So go to the affordable place that still offers you opportunities, kick butt academically, and watch the world open itself to you. Good luck!
Also, it’s perfectly OK to call the school and say they’re your #1 choice but you’d been led to believe (due to NPC result) that net costs would be … and in reality they’re …, which is unaffordable for your parents. Might a mistake have been made, either on their side or on your side (hypothesize you might have input a wrong number somewhere)… In short, can they help you go over everything before you have to cross them out forever due to cost?
And in the meanwhile, run the NPC on all the colleges listed on your thread and apply to all that have a net cost that seems within budget.
(Your budget is $6,000 from parents + $5.5K loans + whatever savings you have + earnings from your part time job)
@iStudyMan Glad you found something, but if you need any other ideas, check out Northwest Missouri State University. It’s cheaper than Iowa’s publics. A 3.8 and 24 would get you in-state tuition and $3000 automatic merit, bringing the total cost down to about $15,000. Books and a laptop are included in the cost.
Or, if you end up going to community college and join Phi Theta Kappa honor society, NWMSU gives a generous scholarship for that- $3500 per year, plus if you keep a 3.5 at community college, you get the in-state rate plus $2500 transfer scholarship.
Private colleges are almost never as generous as they like to boast about. Remember one thing. Dreams are something that can be readily converted into tangible accomplishments later. A college is only a tool to achieve them. They’re not the dream, so therefore there’s no such thing as a dream school. Shop around! Sounds like your grades are excellent, so I’m certain there are plenty of good scholarships available. Debt free is the real career advantage, not prestige.
Perhaps you can provide an actual example where a specific college didn’t turn out to be as generous as they were boasting. I’m not talking about an individual case where the aid offer came in lower than the NPC predicted.
@iStudyMan , this is difficult for you, I know. You are very wise to have found a couple schools that would work for you financially. College is a big financial commitment, but it is important to keep it from being too big. It’s good that you decided to look into the situation now, while you could find a place in an affordable school. It will all work out for you - the key is to take advantage of all that is offered at the school you attend.
SMU, TCU, Baylor and Duke
The cost of attendance at Iowa State is 21K per year. If you get your application in quickly you can still apply for scholarships until the deadline of March 1. Public instate schools are a great value and many successful people have gone there.
iStudyman- You really pulled yourself together and refocused your energy on finding great, affordable options. I am impressed! You should be quite proud of yourself.
@istudyman: have you been able to call the school to discuss the financial aid package? Did you get some apps in to other colleges (and their honors programs?) How are you doing?