<p>Giterdone,
I’ve been reading your posts for a while now, and they blatantly give the vibe of bitterness toward UM and the cost of education for OOS students, etc. Yes, UM is very stingy with aid for OOS students. This is no secret, and if you and your daughter were under the impression otherwise, then you did not do your homework before applying. My son applied to an out-of-state college that specializes in engineering and technology. He was accepted and offered a $17,000 scholarship, which sounds great, but it left a gap of about $40,000/year. We knew the cost of this college was very high, and we talked ahead of time about this, knowing that he would not be able to even consider attending without very significant aid. He, therefore, did not get emotionally invested in this college. They can give what they can give - it’s their college and their decision. No hard feelings. </p>
<p>Thankfully, we are in-state for Michigan and he will get his undergrad at UM with no debt. He could have applied to other OOS schools, of course, but we knew our financial limits and we made wise decisions based on those limits. Yes, public universities are supported by taxpayers, and as a Michigan taxpayer, my son is now getting financial benefit from that fact.</p>
<p>I more and more view the college application process like buying anything else - a house, a car, shoes. Some of us can afford BMWs and buy them. Some of us can afford BMWs and choose not to buy them. The prestige is worth it for some, for other it’s not. Most of us can not afford a BMW. To me, shopping for colleges is not very different. It’s the business of education. And students should only “buy” what they can afford. Some can afford full OOS tuition and don’t mind paying it. Good for them - who am I (or you) to say it’s not “worth it” for them? </p>
<p>I hope you and your daughter embrace her college choice and can move forward. I’m sure she’ll do great wherever she lands.</p>