<p>I am just curious about a few things. First let me say I love ND. I went to SMC, my husband, 2 brothers, father-in-law, 2 uncles went to ND. I have a son who would have loved to have attended but in 09 he was wait listed and then put on the short list (the one they don’t talk too much about) and released from it late last summer. I have a daughter who will apply next year also. The financial cost of college is staggering to say the least. And we are a full pay family. I am positively shocked to see what type of scholarship and/or aid families are giving up to attend ND. If you are paying the full freight, I get it. If you are well off and can afford the $50,000+ price tag, I get that too. But if it is a financial stretch to do it, what makes you take on that burden when your kids have other less expensive options? I know, every one writes about how it is a special place, and it surely is. But knowing it as well as I do, lets face it, it is college. My son has gone elsewhere and thought he would transfer to ND for next year but he has loved his experience elsewhere and will be staying there.<br>
Many of you write about experiences that your student can only find at ND. I have to disagree. Many wonderful colleges and universities offer a strong alumni network, excellent academics and school pride and a sense of community. The economy is very tough and I admire your willingness to sacrifice for your kids. But I agree as laketime in post #4 says that I cringe by the promise of future returns. With this economy many current graduates are looking to grad/law school to further their education in hopes of landing a job. Will you regret the decision to spend the money for undergrad 4 years from now if they want to go to grad school. I know that some may say that grad school is on them but financially speaking you could have paid for both undergrad and grad (going somewhere other than ND) for what you are spending at ND I am truly asking that question because having the prospect of 2 kids full pay in college makes me queasy. How do you make that sacrifice?</p>