<p>I know in our house the college decision would have been different if he were our youngest instead of the oldest. The unknown rising costs for the 2 younger kids have made me very risk adverse.</p>
<p>Multiple visits to the financial safety and active CC threads really helped in the decision. Student and parents all feel that we have a good handle on what is available at the financial safeties and that really helped alleviate unfounded fears that certain schools would not meet academic and peer needs.</p>
<p>I firmly believe that a motivated student will flourish anywhere. I also know my kid is motivated for a 17 year old, but not what I would define as motivated over all. The peer group was my personal highest concern.</p>