<p>I agree with focusing on the money issue because both schools could provide strong academics.</p>
<p>On the money side, I think your $10k/yr may be on the low side.</p>
<p>Remember, in addition to airfare, you’ll need $ for shuttle transport from B’ham to Tuscaloosa.</p>
<p>First year students are required to purchase the largest meal plan. If you wish to live in the Honors Suites, the room fee is higher than we found at most schools. Both the room & meal plan can decrease in year 2 with off-campus housing and a lesser meal plan, but please don’t underestimate the cost of the initial year.</p>
<p>A big plus for our family is that the tuition scholarship is a percentage and not a dollar amount. No need to worry about guessing tuition hikes.</p>
<p>Other things we as parents have forced our son to look at is state/local taxes, entertainment costs, etc. Bama always has something going on for great student prices. Other schools my son is looking at may only have 1 event each weekend and off-campus events in some of the cities get expensive.</p>
<p>Housing selection - We did pay the housing deposit early so he would have a good selection (as a Mom, I don’t think Bama will be beat and I was willing to eat the deposit fee). So, you could hook up with a kid like my son to pull you into an earlier housing slot. I wouldn’t sweat the housing deposit too much if you are willing to actively seek roommates by March.</p>