<p>Got generous financial aid (grant) from Bates without loans. Carleton package contains grant and Perkins loan ($4,500). Both offers contain work-study. After financial aid (grant only), Bates is $6,000+ less than Carleton per year. Son planning to study Bio/Chem and Art. We live in CA. Around $20,000 loan debt at graduation if he chooses Carleton. Any input is welcome.</p>
<p>Maximum Stafford loans are a reasonable amount of debt for students to incur for a college degree.</p>
<p>I agree with Emerald. Who will pay the difference? If it is your son, then let him decide if he likes the school $20k better enough to pay for it. If it is you, then you need to have a serious talk and figure out if his reasons for wanting the school that costs more are worth it.</p>
<p>Also, if he pursues Bio/Chem I’m sure he’ll be able to make loan payments. Art? Not so much…I see grad school there…</p>