Insisting that DC's college be within driving distance...reasonable or not?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is going to school in Pittsburgh. It’s not close. It’s 3 to 4 hours away and it’s a tiring drive. Oof

I've been doing that drive for over 30 years. That is an easy drive.

You’ve had kids in college for 30 years?!!

[Anonymous]

I’m old. Fairfax County native graduated from college in 1990. One of 6 DC. My dad’s rule was in-state only but this was to make tuition affordable. We have 2DC in state and one HS senior - still encouraging in-state.

I see now that many Southern colleges give FCPS a “break” on tuition (USC) to defray costs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kid is going to school in Pittsburgh. It’s not close. It’s 3 to 4 hours away and it’s a tiring drive. Oof

satire

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m old. Fairfax County native graduated from college in 1990. One of 6 DC. My dad’s rule was in-state only but this was to make tuition affordable. We have 2DC in state and one HS senior - still encouraging in-state.

I see now that many Southern colleges give FCPS a “break” on tuition (USC) to defray costs.

Not old school. You are sensible and likely not a millionaire. I had the same limitations. A break on tuition is a consideration. So many folks I know had to go in state and I continue to see DD’s friends who are going to UMD if the get in because it is “ in-state”.

This board isn’t real world.

[Anonymous]

Cut the cord, OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m old. Fairfax County native graduated from college in 1990. One of 6 DC. My dad’s rule was in-state only but this was to make tuition affordable. We have 2DC in state and one HS senior - still encouraging in-state.

I see now that many Southern colleges give FCPS a “break” on tuition (USC) to defray costs.

Which southern schools give a break specifically to FCPS?

[Anonymous]

If there is a reason to expect a health issue with DC then reasonable. If not, not reasonable. With tuition discounts offered by many state flagships overall costs can be lower than in state even with additional cost of travel.

Set budget and if distant school in budget then let DC decide.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We never went to parents weekend.
Work is always busy at that time and it was easier to save the $$. Not a big deal, my kid didn’t mind. We are obviously going for graduation, 4 years go by fast. I say let the kid go where they want but make sure they understand the logistical hurdles.

are they ok with not coming back home during Thanksgiving, Xmas, summer breaks? That's flight cost 3 round trips during the most expensive seasons for airfare.

I’ll give you Christmas and Thanksgiving are expensive times to fly but it’s not hard to find affordable flights for Christmas, particularly if you can travel on lower traffic days, which of course college kids can

It's still pretty expensive, and it adds up. I don't think what OP is asking is unreasonable at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So many kids I know got to UMD, Georgetown,GWU. And we are in the DMV! For whatever reason! They got lower cost, admission to top school. Many dont have the funds to go far or to fly back and forth. I know folks who are happy kids go close to home because they are going to GOOD schools and if something DOES happen or the kids need something, the parent is there! Jeez.

5 to 7 hours is a nice distance to me. There are so many schools.

Don’t listen to half of the people on these boards.

[Anonymous]

6-7 hours isn’t the drop of a hat. The types of emergencies that can occur, are likely over in that time frame.

[Anonymous]

My kid went to UMASS Amherst and that 18 hour round trip for me from DC every fall and spring was a living hell.

Second kid only 2 hours away.

My last kid absolute max is 4 hours one way.

[Anonymous]

I hear you, OP, but you might find Chicago schools are fairly easy/cheap to access by air, likely easier/faster/cheaper than driving to say CT/RI, western MA, or upstate NY. Considering all the airline competition and variety of airports in DC and Chi, it could be a good option. Minneapolis may prove affordable as well. Denver, Atlanta and Houston are also hubs and may be affordable and easy for nonstops. (My mom worked for an airline, so I think in hubs). I also think it's fair to share concerns and preferences and to lay financial constraints out on the table. Good luck to your kid!

[Anonymous]

PP again. Also, for Thanksgiving, book return flight way early before costs get crazy. Then you can see how schedule shakes out for the flight home. If kid is flying to a major hub/airport, there should be some affordable options early on even for Thanksgiving (that is the worst pricewise, I think).

But, this may all be moot, and your kid gets into a great school a 3 hour drive away!

[Anonymous]

Reasonable, unless they are going to turn down a wonderful opportunity that is mostly funded.

It gets expensive flying and is a crapshow around the holidays. It's a lot cheaper to go somewhere drivable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We never went to parents weekend.
Work is always busy at that time and it was easier to save the $$. Not a big deal, my kid didn’t mind. We are obviously going for graduation, 4 years go by fast. I say let the kid go where they want but make sure they understand the logistical hurdles.

are they ok with not coming back home during Thanksgiving, Xmas, summer breaks? That's flight cost 3 round trips during the most expensive seasons for airfare.

I’ll give you Christmas and Thanksgiving are expensive times to fly but it’s not hard to find affordable flights for Christmas, particularly if you can travel on lower traffic days, which of course college kids can

It's still pretty expensive, and it adds up. I don't think what OP is asking is unreasonable at all.

Flights on Christmas Day and on New Years Eve/Day are cheap if you are willing to do it. DC can go to a friend’s house for Thanksgiving like many college kids going to school far away do.

The point of college is to get an education and build a career. Cut the cord!