DD is trying to decide on which school. Obviously SUNY is cheaper but IC is her first choice. Any opinions?
What area of communications?
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She got into pathways at Park because she is not sure at this point.She really likes film and media. Not interested in regular organizational or behavioral communication.
Are all the options affordable without loans?
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I have a child at Ithaca and am very impressed. We were concerned he was coming in “behind” with writing (he is in music/theater/dance). The level of instruction he received in his first year writing seminar and the personal attention he got set the tone for everything. I read some of the feedback he received from his professor and it was more thoughtful than anything I got at my T15 LAC as an English major. The student body is friendly, intellectually curious, artsy, and supportive. The professors are approachable and kind. Any other questions, let me know.
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For your daughter’s intended major, I believe Ithaca could make an excellent choice.
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My DS is a sophomore at Ithaca majoring in film. His experience has been amazing. Loves his classes and loves the town. Couldn’t be happier.
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I’d pick between Ithaca and Geneseo - imho the others just can’t compete if you add academics, personal attention, campus…
Is Ithaca affordable out of pocket (from income/savings) and without parental loans?
we don’t qualify for aid so as much as it’s not affordable we will make it work as she also will be swimming and those facilities are amazing.
we don’t qualify for aid so we will make it work.
we don’t qualify for aid so as much as it’s not affordable we will make it work as she also will be swimming and those facilities are amazing.
Ithaca and Geneseo will have a stronger overall student body than Cortland. But…plenty go to Cortland and end up with great careers and grad school placements.
Cortland’s campus is actually very nice, relatively new dorms and facilities. I think it’s nicer than Geneseo, but I have not seen Geneseo in many years and I know they were doing some construction. At one point many of the SUNY campuses had a lot of construction going on. Geneseo has a nicer town than Cortland, very cute and quaint. Cortland, imo, is old (the town).
Cortland does have personal attention, and the students I know who attended had some pretty good internships. I spoke with a family from NC whose son went to Cortland because of its reputation in sports management (I was surprised by this). It is also strong in education, as is Geneseo. Geneseo is the stronger of the 2 schools…overall.
For film and media I would go with Ithaca if it is affordable and the student likes it. If not Ithaca, I would choose Geneseo. Cortland is really not known for film and media.
These are the annual costs for tuition & fees plus room & board at the schools under considation:
- Ithaca: $64,210
- Geneseo: $24,346 in-state, $34,586 out-of-state
- Cortland: $22,470 in-state, $32,380 out-of-state
- Iona: $64,150
If $24k for Geneseo is not affordable, then how can $64k for Ithaca be considered? As mentioned in this thread, anyone can get a good education at a SUNY. Why would you consider paying $40k extra/year, $160k extra for four years, when your daughter can get a good education for the smaller figure?
I can’t think of any university in the country for which I would go into that much debt. Please do not risk your own financial future on unnecessary loans when quality options are available for much less. Nobody knows what the future holds. There are potential swings in the economy or in one’s health or family circumstances that can decrease one’s financial wherewithal very quickly. Taking out additional loans would be an extremely financially risky move, and I would strongly advise against it.
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Are you able to make it work without big loans or hardship, retirement being impacted, etc?
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If you do not qualify for financial aid, it typically means you make 200,300k… a year. That is not something to share here but it means you can afford SUNYs while needing merit from Ithaca.
Dig into the websites, sometimes specific departments offer college-specific scholarships.
Did she apply to Honors? That typically “unlocks” scholarships.
If you plan on taking on a parents loan, start saving the amount you mean to pay each month now and make sure your child has a job about 8 hours a week (saving everything) instead. These loans should be avoided because they can impede a student’s launch. The worst situation is when the loan is not renewed because it’s not sustainable and the student can’t graduate from the expensive college. (It’s always better to start at the less expensive college and spend Jr/Sr year at the better, more expensive college).
The federal loans are 5.5k for freshman year.
You can also contact Financial aid at Ithaca to ask when Merit Scholarships are announced.
Finally, you can always ask to have them increase the work study award. It’s a global award for the 2 semesters, often $2,500-3,000 (total). The student has to find a job and the best ones, where you’re “paid to study” (desk at the library, dorm entrance) are taken fast.
8 hours a week 1st semester, up to 12 after that, shouldn’t be a problem.
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Did she get official support from a coach?
Merit scholarships at Ithaca have definitely been awarded to at least some students.
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Yes - so did the student not get any merit at all or did she get a scholarship but it’s not enough?
I was just noting that merit awards have already been awarded. I would think if this student had been offered one the parent likely would have mentioned it.
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Yes she got 33k in merit and is waiting on another scholarship opportunity and yes coach is very supportive
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