<p>I could go to the University of Cincinnati, which is a top tier public university, for around 10,000 without any scholarships whatsoever. There is a chance I could get 215+ on my psat and get a full ride. Or I could to UChicago (and the likes) and end up paying 60,000+ a year. That’s $240,000, which is a lot of money. A lot. Is there any point in going to a more prestigious university for undergrad when you could just go to a cheaper one and then go to a more prestigious university for a doctorate or masters?</p>
<p>If yours is a middle class family that just barely disqualifies for need-based aid, and if your parents have not saved prodigiously for college since you were a baby, then the answer probably is “no”. In that case, you are virtually shut out of schools like Chicago and the Ivies. The more serious question is whether it is worth it for you to seek out somewhat less selective private schools where a merit scholarship might narrow the cost gap to a few thousand per year.</p>
<p>Total cost to attend Cincinnati, for an in-state student living on campus, would be about $25K/year. Costs to attend Centre College after average merit aid might run about $30K/year. Centre probably is the best school in KY. For the extra $20K or so compared to Cincinnati, you’d get smaller classes, a higher-scoring student body, and a more intimate campus atmosphere that you might prefer. To me, that would be worth the cost of a used compact car.</p>
<p>Grinnell, Oberlin, and Macalester are more selective than Centre, with more geographically diverse student bodies. The class sizes may be a little smaller. The facilities may be noticeably better. But chances are, the cost gap would be greater, too.</p>
<p>Don’t take the debt, if would create too much pressure.</p>
<p>Depends what’s important to you… if you get a worthwhile degree you can pay it off.
That said, it most likely isn’t worth it, unless you REALLY want to go.
You should consider what FA you receive, so it’s definitely worth applying.</p>
<p>I’m not a fan of U of Cincy and don’t consider it a top tier public university. You have better public schools in your state, in my opinion.</p>
<p>U of Cincy is most certainly not a top tier university. No where close.</p>
<p>I’m a big believer in the value of going to the best undergraduate institution that you can. But not for $200,000 more - that just goes beyond the bounds of reason.</p>
<p>
If the OP could attend UC for $10K without a scholarship then s/he is in-state for OH. There are a couple of better overall schools, but UC has some programs that are top in the US: art design, music/voice, engineering.</p>
<p>OP, if you intend to go on to a Masters or PhD then by all means go to UC. Save the $ for the advanced degree.</p>
<p>I don’t think the OP is planning to be a music major, and, if so, good luck getting into Cincy. I think it’s a lousy campus.</p>
<p>[UC</a> Ranked In U.S. News’ Top Tier](<a href=“Error | University of Cincinnati”>http://www.uc.edu/news/NR.aspx?id=12275)</p>
<p>It’s not the best, but if I could go there for free, especially since I will pursue a master’s or doctorate, why not?</p>
<p>^Using USNWR would not be advantageous to your argument. It’s ranked 156th.</p>
<p>A private college might cost more - or less - than a state school after you factor in grants and merit scholarships. You’ll have to take a look at the websites of some of the privates that interest you.</p>
<p>I agree that Cincinnati is not the best public in the state, unless you intend on studying Architecture, in which case it is awesome. Otherwise, why not tOSU or Miami-Ohio? Heck, even Ohio University is slightly better.</p>
<p>Now, with regards to a more expensive option, assuming you come from a lower income family, or even from a middle income family, a school such as the University of Chicago will likely give you significant financial aid, making such a university affordable. In such a case, attending Chicago is a no-brainer.</p>
<p>Of course, should you come from an upper income or wealthy family, you will have to pay full tuition, but the $200,000 difference in cost of attendence will probably not be that big a deal and again, going to the better university is worth it.</p>
<p>The tricky situation arises if you come from an upper middle income family where you are unlikely to get much (if any) financial aid and the difference in cost is too great to justify. In this case, I would recommend the in-state option.</p>
<p>Regardless, you lose nothing by applying.</p>