<p>Look, no one really wants to go to state schools. If you’re not in a great financial situation your daughter needs to be less picky and take what she can get. Most in-state tuition is about $10,000, plus about $5k for room and board. Most financial service counselors are indifferent and will just confirm her classes and give you more aid, if you appeal early.</p>
<p>If you decide on an expensive $30k private school, set everything up, send your kid off, then can’t cough up the bucks, you’re in trouble. Private loans aren’t cheap. At worst with a state school your daughter graduates with $30k or so in federal loans. </p>
<p>If you can’t send her to a school within your means, tell her tough luck and she’s going to a state school. If you dilly-dally around with private school financial aid offices too long, she’s going to miss out on housing for state school, then eventually not be able to go at all.</p>