So I have a dilemma. I was recently granted admission to the University of Pennsylvania into the NETS (Networked & Social Systems Engineering) program. The program is extremely competitive and selective as evident with only 14 being offered a spot last year. More info: http://nets.upenn.edu. Unfortunately, I receive no financial aid.
I was also granted a complete full-ride scholarship from the University of Tulsa. The scholarship is called the Presidential Scholarship and it covers tuition, room & board, and a meal plan. It is close to home.
I have no idea which to choose. My parents do no like the idea of me going to UPenn with a ton of debt as they can only cover approx. a year and a half of it.
Also, more about the Presidential Scholarship: https://admission.utulsa.edu/academic-opportunities/presidential-scholars/ (I also want to do a Cybersecurity emphasis at TU and they have this “Cybercorps” program I would apply for).
I U. Tulsa accredited in your field?
This is one of the rare situations that I would choose the more expensive school. If you want to make more money, go Penn. If you don’t care, become a Golden Hurricane.
I agree with Zinhead, this program seems pretty cutting edge-- however-- it would be good to know exactly how they match up. Have you been to both schools?
His parents can only afford 1 1/2 years worth of COA - so about $100,000. That will leave $180,000 - $200,000 to cover the other 2 1/2 years. Who has that money to give the OP?
I was reading that as that is how much they have already saved up for this. If she/he got no aid, then they must have a significant income? OP, what are the particulars on that?
Penn meets need - are there complicating factors why no FinAid?
Family income is too high unfortunately.
They are fairly known for CompSci, but not as much as Petroleum Eng is.
Why are your parents only paying one and a half years for UPenn (if their income is so high)? Since you apply for fin aid every school year, if your situation changes they may give you aid after one or two years. I think the difference between UPenn and Tulsa (never even heard of it) is great enough for you to pick UPenn… Also, even if your parents won’t pay after that time, and UPenn still won’t give you aid, you could always do a transfer to a different school. It’s much easier to transfer down from a school like UPenn than to transfer up, especially to an ivy league.
Part of it is I didn’t apply for financial aid and my parents are refusing to fund an Ivy League education.
U. Tulsa is in a difficult neighborhood. Are they aware of that? I know this because my sister teaches there. There really is no comparison if they can afford Penn. What would convince them?
It’s my father’s alma mater actually, but yes.
So you’re in the briar patch. Where is the $100K number coming from (is that what Tulsa would cost them w/out the Presidential scholarship)? As far as you know, is their refusal a point of principle or a real limit?
That’s the amount saved in 529. Basically, it’s a point of principle. They are impossible to convince.
Isn’t the University of Penn in West Philly? So the which neighborhood is bad thing is a wash.
Would they take you to look at it, at least? Could your guidance counselor or someone who knows the value of Penn talk to them on your behalf?
Go back and search for @CaliCash 's dilemma on getting to Northwestern. I wonder if she’d have any tips…