Should tuition be a factor in college visits?

HereWeGo2
Sun, 30 Mar 2008 22:56:54 +0000

Agree with the other comments. Consider a variety of schools, but have a frank discussion with your son about what you and he can and cannot afford. Encourage him to research and pursue scholarship awards and discourage loans as a means of paying. (A little spreadsheet time showing what it costs to pay off college loans vs, say, a 1st car or apartment after graduation, may be instructive.) A friend’s D attends a pricey liberal arts school on a merit-based full-ride, so it is possible.

Depending on his planned field of study, graduate or professional school may be likely. (Although in some fields, employers will pay some or all of an evening program that will be just as useful as a full-time program.) In that case, the grad degree becomes more important and an affordable public school or smaller, less-well known but good college that wants to attract someone like your son may be a better deal than an expensive “name brand”.

Another idea is ROTC scholarships once they’re in school. I know a few older children of friends pursuing this option.

Many states have excellent public colleges and universities. They are good candidates for an admission/financial safetym as ne-mom suggests.