<p>I’m searching for a medium size college (3,000 to 15,000) in a sunny location. Must have good art and language programs as well as decent study abroad. I am from Sandpoint, Idaho. Any ideas would be much appreciated!</p>
<p>If you are willing to try sunny San Antonio (300+ days of sunshine/y), Trinity University has about 2500 UG, and gives general merit and some art scholarships, I believe.</p>
<p>[Eckerd</a> College | Welcome to Eckerd College](<a href=“http://eckerd.edu/]Eckerd”>http://eckerd.edu/) </p>
<p>[Eckerd</a> College | Types of Aid](<a href=“http://eckerd.edu/admissions/finaid/aid.php#academic]Eckerd”>http://eckerd.edu/admissions/finaid/aid.php#academic) Merit Aid@Eckerd </p>
<p>Only about 1800 students, but is highly regarded & is in Princeton Review’s “Best 373”.</p>
<p>Castlegirl, as I read your posts I get worried. You want a school in a sunny city that has a great art and language program and study abroad before junior year. You also tell us your parents won’t be paying their ten thousand plus EFC.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, I’m not sure you’re being realistic. Few such colleges meet need, so most would expect more than your EFC and I’m not sure how you would cover your EFC even if the school met your need. You don’t want to become one of the many art school grads graduating with huge debt.</p>
<p>So while sunny would be great, please start your search with money in mind. Figure out your true EFC. Get a firm grip on what your parents will pay. Look closely at what kind of aid schools that interest you offer and most importantly choose a financial safety, most probably an in state public.</p>
<p>I know it’s a bummer, but most kids can’t afford most schools.</p>
<p>The Western College Tuition Exchange offers reduced tuition opportunities at some out of state schools.
[Western</a> Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) | Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education](<a href=“http://wiche.edu/wue]Western”>Save On Tuition | Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE))</p>
<p>Thank you Gloworm, Trinity University looks great and I will definitely look into it more.</p>
<p>IloveLA: I am aware of the WUE and am looking at Arizona State, University of Arizona, and San Francisco State.</p>
<p>2college2college: I know it’s not realistic but everyone says to find your ideal school and try to make it work. I am aware of the probability of my not being able to afford my ideal school and have safety schools. I have applied to the University of Idaho and will apply to Boise State, both of which I will get in-state tuition at and sufficient financial aid.</p>
<p>Glad to hear you have safeties you like Castlegirl! I think many of the things kids are told where college is concerned is just crazy. The myth that there’s plenty of money for college out there is very wide spread.</p>
<p>The correct advice is figure out what you can afford and apply accordingly.</p>
<p>Castle Girl – you DO know that San Francisco isn’t very sunny, right? San Francisco State campus in particular is in a windy, cold and foggy part of the city. My bet is you have sunnier weather in Idaho…</p>
<p>Also - have you checked out how much out-of-state tuition costs for SF State? In my mind, that is not a wise financial choice.</p>
<p>I know but I’m trying to find a college close to my sister who lives in San Francisco.</p>
<p>Ah, makes sense. In that case you should also look into Mills College (Oakland) and St. Mary’s (Moraga) – both within an hour of SF</p>
<p>Thanks katiemom, I’ve applied to St. Mary’s and Santa Clara</p>