Tulane or Boulder

[Anonymous]

DS was all set to attend CU Boulder but just got off the waitlist at Tulane. He had direct admission to the business school (Leeds) at Boulder. Anyone can major in business at Tulane. We have no aid at either place so Tulane would be about $140k more over the 4 years. We are a donut hole family so we could afford the extra money but are not wealthy per se. Son has a slight preference for Tulane because of smaller classes, more compact campus, and warmer weather (but also really likes Boulder). Thoughts?

[Anonymous]

Only thought is that a Tulane degree will cost at least an extra $140,000 ($35,000 per year).

[Anonymous]

If your son wants to work on the east coast after graduation, Tulane Freeman will place much better. Leeds probably has a slight edge on the West Coast. If you can afford the extra $140k without taking loans, I would probably say go to Tulane if your son definitely prefers it.

[Anonymous]

140K less and the amazing country club campus of CU Boulder with the buffalo shaped pool??? Who could say no....

[Anonymous]

I'd choose Boulder at equal money, so +140K makes it a no brainer. Boulder rarely gets that cold, especially during the day, and it's much sunnier than NOL. The snow (which mostly falls at night) and slopes are amazing. Campus is great and abuts both excellent hiking and the best part of town.

[Anonymous]

The price difference would have me choosing Boulder.

[Anonymous]

I think it's going to come down to the price difference. Is the $140K just going to be added to retirement savings that you may or may not spend before you die?

Or is the $140K going to mean that you have to work another year? Or forego a much needed home repair? Or otherwise affect your life in a tangible way if you use it for Tulane?

Within the realm of "donut hole" families there are degrees to which $140K is important.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The price difference would have me choosing Boulder.

+1

[Anonymous]

How is this even a question? Leeds is a great program (all over the country). Boulder is cheaper and just an all around better place to live and better college experience.

[Anonymous]

Are you in state for Boulder? I just looked and the oos tuition is triple in state? Just curious on the price differential. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

OP here. We are not in-state for Colorado. The rough prices are $55k for Boulder and $90k for Tulane. One concern I have is the 4 year graduation rate at Boulder which is 58% vs 77% at Tulane, which could mean paying 5 years tuition at Boulder. The other concerns are info we have heard about lots of hard drugs in the dorms and the bottom 50% of students are pretty unmotivated. Of course, Tulane has somewhat of a party reputation too although my sense is that there is a much higher percentage of motivated smart students.

[Anonymous]

Tulane is not substantially better or more prestigious. Boulder.

[Anonymous]

I would think very hard before spending the extra money.

But ... I went to Tulane Law and it was the best 3 years of my life. I love, love, love that campus and the life on it. Love NOLA. Love it all. I think Colorado might be an amazing place too, though?

[Anonymous]

The weather at Tulane is hideous and the schools are peers. Boulder without question.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. We are not in-state for Colorado. The rough prices are $55k for Boulder and $90k for Tulane. One concern I have is the 4 year graduation rate at Boulder which is 58% vs 77% at Tulane, which could mean paying 5 years tuition at Boulder. The other concerns are info we have heard about lots of hard drugs in the dorms and the bottom 50% of students are pretty unmotivated. Of course, Tulane has somewhat of a party reputation too although my sense is that there is a much higher percentage of motivated smart students.

Could mean, understandably, that students just do not want to leave Boulder.