<p>We feel your pain. Our son opted for the full ride at a state university and walked away from more prestigious offers of acceptance with full pay from us. We are a single income family who has lived a financially conservative life and saved. For that reason our EFC is ridiculously high. We have a daughter two years behind our son that we also need to consider.</p>
<p>I will tell you that the relief we feel is tremendous now that we’ve made our decision. My son’s comment was that “all things happen for a reason.” He is right. I believe he will be where he should be. He will enter a university thrilled to get him. He’s received a sincere welcome and feels that this school really wants him, as opposed to the “you’re lucky you got in” vibe.</p>
<p>He will finish in four years, debt free. He can use the money we’ve saved for grad school, car, house, etc.</p>
<p>It is very liberating to let go of the prestige and potentially mounting debt. </p>
<p>Good luck to you and yours.</p>