We’re planning a college tour trip over spring break, focused on the Pacific Northwest. Currently on the list are Oregon State, Lewis and Clark, University of Puget Sound, and Whitman College.
Not on the list: Univ of Oregon (probably too expensive?), Willamette (D26 went to admitted students day with D22–loved the school, Salem not so much), UW (too expensive); Gonzaga (visited with D22, not a fit for our family), Reed (maybe could add, but I’d need to be convinced), other Catholic/religious schools.
D26 is a good student but not tippy top. High GPA at a grade-inflated school, will have 3-4 APs by the end of senior year, ECs fine but not spectacular. PSAT about 1200 this past fall. She may or may not take the SAT. She’s a good writer and will likely major in some type of humanities/English.
We are a full-pay family from the Bay Area, and are willing to pay what we’d pay at a UC (~$45K, plus maybe a little more if D thought the school was amazing and a perfect fit). Yes, she’ll be applying to UCs and CSUs.
But regarding the PNW schools, are we missing any great choices? And am I right that UO and UW will not reach our price point? For that matter, will Whitman? I know they do a pre-read, but I don’t want to waste time if there’s not a decent shot at getting the cost down to below $50k.
To the best of my knowledge, Whitman’s max merit award is $30K this year, which would bring the cost to or just a sliver under $50K. UW gives some merit to our of state students - but the most I heard of was ~$7500 - so you’re probably looking at ~$55K. I don’t think Reed gives any merit, so I won’t try to talk you into visiting….
Has your family considered U. of Portland or Seattle U.? Those might be able to make budget and I’ve heard good things about their academics.
Another possibility might be Southern Oregon. It has about 4400 undergrads with a liberal arts feel, and I’ve heard it described as a hidden gem. As a bonus, it’s a WUE school.
If your daughter likes Oregon State, I’d check out WSU and Western Washington as well (which are in range with any merit, which is a reasonable possibility). I would have included Seattle U as well, if she’s interested in a city - not sure if the Gonzaga “not a fit for our family” would apply to SU as well. (Edited to add Western, which is what I was thinking when I wrote WSU :))
Western Washington or WSU with WUE? If you’re open to catholic schools, Seattle U and U of Portland are great recommendations with good merit.
Idaho considers themselves part of the PNW although that’s not always the case in reverse An interesting very small school that our high school has sent kids to recently is College of Idaho, they have big merit. And Boise State has great out of state merit as well. Pushing your geographic boundaries even farther, Montana State in Bozeman is super popular and has great merit for WUE and in general.
I’m thinking Linfield given the academic profile. And Pacific University
. And yes Whitman gives a pre read and not sure she gets in. And someone noted Portland gives crazy merit.
Why OSU - WUE not assured. Actually and a bit out of the way but since you are looking at smaller schools, Southern Oregon (WUE) might be a better fit.
But check each one to see how readily available WUE is (e.g. is it offered to all from WUE states, or is it determined like a competitive scholarship, or is it limited to some majors, etc.).
I don’t know what your daughter’s interests are, but University of Washington-Bothell is worth a look. It’s a very good option and is often overlooked.
Chico maybe (I am a big fan), but she is not interested in Humboldt. S20 was there for a semester (in the covid times) and DH graduated from there eons ago (and he loved it!). But she’s visited and has pretty much ruled it out.
Linfield and Pacific–interesting ideas. Hadn’t considered either of them at all. I’ll explore them. OSU because for a minute she expressed interested in a rah-rah environment and D22 has a close friend who is very happy there.
An interesting very small school that our high school has sent kids to recently is College of Idaho, they have big merit. And Boise State has great out of state merit as well. Pushing your geographic boundaries even farther, Montana State in Bozeman is super popular and has great merit for WUE and in general.