<p>Wow. I opened pandora’s box here with this question. I guess, given the current economy, everyone is a little more cautious or worried about the costs and debt of a college education. I, too, had my undergraduate school paid for by my parents (along with 4 other children) but we all went to state schools in Michigan. Living in California…there are only a few good options for MT. My daughter (I agree with her) would like to go to school in a place that widens her perspective of the world beyond California. She is very open to a number of schools and is very sensitive to the expense…it is ME that is agonizing over the issue because I want to send her to the best possible place for her regardless of the cost. I agree with you Sooviet that I want to provide that for my children more than anything else, but I also don’t want to become a burden on them later in life so we have to balance those college costs with taking care of ourselves. We don’t really know if we will qualify for FA or not yet…I suppose it is possible-- I am not sure how they balance your living costs with income and debt.</p>
<p>I agree with you all that our kids are going to be just fine, they have parents that love them and support them to the extreme. Once again, I thank everyone for the thoughtful responses and mostly it is great to know that others are struggling with the same concerns. Thanks also to several posters about the loan information…every little bit helps to make it seem less overwhelming.</p>