Tulane or Boulder

[Anonymous]

It seems to me that the school vibe of each school is completely different. Tulane more intense social and educational vibe. Boulder more laid back with an emphasis on outdoor recreational sports.

[Anonymous]

Boulder is more sink or swim. Be sure he isn't prone to slacking or drugs because there is ample opportunity there. Yes of course there is some at Tulane but it is more work hard play hard and the peer pressure to 'succeed' is greater.

I say this as someone with multiple family members at/from CU, family in the area and experience at east coast and adjacent private colleges.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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?

Possible reasons other than money to favor Colorado:

- You’re less likely to have to evacuate your son from Colorado.

- If he gets bad COVID or bird flu, he’ll be where people used to go to heal from TB.

But my understanding is that housing in Boulder can be expensive. Maybe check to see what the cost with housing really would be. If the real prices look more similar once you factor housing costs in, and your son loves Tulane, then Tulane.

[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.

Graduation rates are primarily inputs (SES, mainly), not outputs.

[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.

My DC attends Tulane and has had a wonderful experience so far. There is definitely a lot of partying but the students seem serious about studying as well. There are a lot of supports available for tutoring, etc. to help keep students on track academically. Most of the classes are small to medium sized as well, so I think that puts additional pressure on them to stay engaged. We do qualify for financial aid, so I can't speak to the question of whether it's worth 90K.

[Anonymous]

My impressions having toured both places. Tulane has a really basic compact campus / the most special thing about it is being in New Orleans. The vibe on campus is generic overall - Colorado is much more exciting in many ways and lots of natural beauty. Tulane does not seem worth the extra money unless you are in the honors college which has lots of perks including not being full pay.

[Anonymous]

One question is how your DC feels about the gender imbalance at Tulane.

[Anonymous]

Can’t speak to education if either.

But I always ask myself if this is a place I want to live or visit.

NO amazing visit and you can afford it with the savings

Boulder= quality of life. Live

[Anonymous]

Tulane is located where??/

OP there is no choice

Colorado

[Anonymous]

Boulder is amazing.

Another good reason for CO: if your son knocks up his girlfriend, she can easily get morning after pill or medical abortion.

It’s all getting banned in Louisiana. Including birth control next.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Boulder is amazing.

Another good reason for CO: if your son knocks up his girlfriend, she can easily get morning after pill or medical abortion.

It’s all getting banned in Louisiana. Including birth control next.

Disgusting post.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:One question is how your DC feels about the gender imbalance at Tulane.

How do you think most red blooded American males would feel about 60-40 odds in their favor?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Boulder is amazing.

Another good reason for CO: if your son knocks up his girlfriend, she can easily get morning after pill or medical abortion.

It’s all getting banned in Louisiana. Including birth control next.

Disgusting post.

And not a lie spoken in my post.

[Anonymous]

Someone above mentioned it, but since other posters have experience with Boulder, what about the drug scene and whether there is a core of motivated kids?

My student is interested for a year from now but our concern is that at least a portion of the population is just there to party. If partying and drugs are more normalized, is it harder to stay out of trouble/danger?

[Anonymous]

DC is at Boulder and loves it. Leeds is excellent on many levels and Boulder is a fantastic community. Yes it snows but it also melts quickly - 300 + days of sun! This seems like a pretty straightforward call to me. Also, tuition is locked for four years so you truly know the cost over time. Sko Buffs!