Just noting that what is best for one’s kids and financial sanity are not necessarily in competition.
A high-stats kid at Alabama? Financially sane, and a solid education, and honestly—if one focuses on outcomes—with no meaningful difference from the HYPSes of the world.
It’s not an either-or, really. Many aspects of the educational-industrial-ratings complex, however, have a vested interest in convincing us all that it is.
@dfbdfb
Your cherry picked example is part of the .1%. Most kids are not choosing between a virtually full ride at Alabama vs HYPS. Even so, there is something that could be done with the difference in dollar cost in your example which also has value. You also completely distorted my point. My point is that there is an important financial aspect to the college decision.
@JBSeattle, apologies if I misinterpreted what you meant—and I agree that the financial aspect of the decision is important. The way it was phrased, though, it sounded like you were placing financial needs in contrast with educational quality—so, for kids who aren’t looking at Alabama vs. HYPS, then perhaps a local public directional comprehensive vs. a solid (but not remotely WASP) LAC, say.
My point was simply that the differences between educational quality at colleges (leaving aside cases like for-profits, those on the edge of losing their accreditation, and such) is actually pretty small, so there is no such conflict between cost and quality, really.
If that’s what you also meant, then, then excellent, we agree!
@dfbdfb
I think we are just making slightly different points but not totally disagreeing. My point is that finances are a big part of the decision. I think a lot of people would choose a virtually free Alabama education over an expensive education anywhere else. However if Stanford and Alabama cost the same amount then I think most would chose Stanford. I would chose Stanford in that instance for several non-financial reasons that would be important for my D too though (weather, geography, things to do that she enjoys, relatives near by etc) Just saying that everyone has a price point.
You might say that it would take Stanford being $10k cheaper than Alabama for your child to attend. The schools don’t really matter, it is how the parent/child value those schools which is different for everyone.
Another acceptance for DS19, Appalachian State. 4/4. Still waiting on notification for his first choice.
With time to reflect, I am relieved she was deferred from Seattle University. This is kid 3 and our last. She is far more emotionally dependent on us than her brother’s were. I don’t want her across the country. And, with her brother relocating to Seattle, I thought it would give her another reason to accept moving there.
We had a heart to heart, since Seattle has been #1 choice for years. She admitted she doesn’t think it is where she belongs. Lynchburg just feels right to both of us. So, with 8 of 10 decisions in, we have decided on Lynchburg.
Holding off on mailing deposit until we request a FA review to get cost more in line with the better offers ahead has received. But, like @eandesmom , we’ll suck up the dollar difference if we must.
@carolinamom2boys was just in Boone today thinking how fun it would be to go to school there. Congrats.
@Longhaul glad you are keeping your perspective. Jan will bring good news!
@eandesmom I have had some struggles wrapping my head around Twin A going to school 10 hours away. I’ve also been sad b/c neither twin will be going to Elon or Furman and I love both of those schools. I really thought I’d be visiting Greenville a lot. You’re right, if our kids don’t thrive, they can transfer and I have reminded myself that transferring does not equal failure. So many emotions going on. I’ll be an empty nester and it’ll be so quiet.
Meanwhile Twin A’s deposit won’t go through and I’m trying not to freak out. First time didn’t work. Next two times I got a Thank You page, but no confirmation email or charge on card. We have until Jan. 8, but that doesn’t work for neurotic moms. Also, hoping we don’t have an extra $1k in charges. 
@Longhaul
Yeah!!
@TwinMom2023 We will need a support group for parents with kids going far. My D19 will not be within driving distance but the flight is less than 3 hours so fine for a weekend trip.
I will chime in and say that I am also a little sad that S19 does not seem to be headed to “my” favorite school. Even though I joked in a previous post that his criteria for picking a school seemed wacky, deep down I know that he is thinking it all through and leaning towards the school where he will be most comfortable and thrive. But I’m sad to see some of the schools fall off the list…he is my last one to leave the house so I think the empty nester syndrome is also kicking in. Lots of emotions going on over here too…:0
@TwinMom2023 - Hope you get the deposit straightened out. The same thing happened with my D16. It finally went through but there was some sort of glitch and it made me crazy. 
I was so stressed about the idea of deposits- we don’t have any money for that and it’s the one thing D’s outside scholarship won’t cover. I was so relieved to find out that Haverford doesn’t require any deposits. For awhile she’ll only be about three hours away, but then we will move again and who knows how far she’ll be then!
Just got off phone with contractor school is using for enrollment deposit. The wrong link is in Twin A’s acceptance letter. I need a paper bag to breath into. I’ll have to wait until Wednesday to sort out with her school.
@5050100 Yes! we are in the same boat. Glad you understand - it’s just not what I expected a year ago. Their choices are fabulous for them, but I was all set for a different scenario. It’s also strange to be running around with my hair on fire and then ED acceptances brought it to a screeching halt.
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas!!!
@JBSeattle Might I inquire which Cal Poly D was applying to? Because if it’s Pomona she might be fine depending on the major?
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
@momzilla2D Has your daughter looked at WVU? Great merit aid, outstanding D1 sports and when we toured everyone was talking about their forensics program.
Thanks @MarylandDad64 . I’ll mention it to her. Can’t recall whether that one’s come up. Feb 1 application date, still doable!
Yes, here is a chart to their merit aid. They made a very generous offer to my son which included department scholarships in addition to the university scholarship in the chart, The resident hall my son is looking at is right near one of the forensics “crime scene” houses. And they definitely work with the FBI, both in forensics and biometric system design. We learned a lot in two tours 
https://admissions.wvu.edu/files/d/276df541-ce85-47b4-9a2c-a2eaab71c37a/scholarship-handout-web.png
