Why is this the last thing I thought of...Who's paying for this (college)?

[Anonymous]

Hmmm...somehow I underestimated the expense of college. Don't ask me why..I just completely blanked on the "Who's paying for this" part of the college journey.

Completed daughter's FAFSA today. Our EFC is 6802. The schools on her list are:

Rutgers-New Brunswick (she got accepted)
UNC-Charlotte (still waiting)
Drexel U (just applied)
Old Dominion (thinking of applying)
Virginia Commonwealth (thinking of applying)

My daughter is a solid B student 3.0 GPA, also has AP classes; 1800 SAT 580/540/680), so merit-based help is probably not happening. But, she's interested in mostly state schools, so I'm not sure how much need-based aid they even give out. We're MD residents (not interested in an IS school), so we're paying OOS for anything she chooses.

I'm scrambling to come up with some private schools that I can suggest to her to see if financial aid offerings will be more generous. Her criteria is: diverse student body (we're Black and while she doesn't want an HBCU, she does want plenty of diversity in the student body), in or close to mid-to-large city, and student population between 10-30k.

Any advice on schools and/or experience with financial aid offerings from the schools on her list? Her acceptance at Rutgers is great, but also has me freaked out with paying for it (in the event they don't give out much aid).

[Anonymous]

Wow...didn't mean that sad face next to grade average (well, sort of). I actually typed a beginning parenthesis mark!

[Anonymous]

Have you tried College Confidential? Lots of info there.

[Anonymous]

I know she said no IS school, but I'd have her apply to UMBC. it's been getting really good college reviews lately and I think it otherwise fits her criteria. Cant help on the FA questions; my kids got $2000 or so but that's it. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Sometimes all you can afford is in state, and that's life. Your EFC is a starting point with the university- it's not what you will actually have to pay. They will expect you to take out loans or come up with cash for the difference- they are not just going to write it off.

You may want to look at some schools in Florida- they have lower out of state tuition. Try UCF- University of Central Florida. You may also get some merit aid from University of South Carolina. Is the 3.0 weighted or unweighted? Has your daughter tried taking the ACT? Some kids score better on that.

You need to decide on the rest of your applications soon. Deadlines are approaching.

[Anonymous]

OP- Your EFC is reasonable, less than 7K. Apply to a couple of MD state schools too, finish filling out FA for accepted schools and see what your choices are. Your DD can also take out subsidized loans, which will help.

[Anonymous]

Look into Towson and Frostburg ASAP. Based on her scores and your limited financial information, that may be her best bet.

You cut your coat to fit your cloth. She should be happy to go to college. Dont let her tell you she will only go out of state. That's a bunch of crap.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for the feedback.

I guess I should mention that I don't mind paying the EFC of $6802. In fact, I'd be thrilled if that's all we have to contribute.

But take Rutgers for instance. OOS tuition is $37k. I doubt they're covering the difference and loans will only take you so far (not to mention, I don't want her maxing out her loans only to graduate with high student debt).

The OOS college thing is something I actually agree on.Just trying to find some schools that will make this a good financial choice.

Will check out some of your suggestions. Excluding HBCUs, it's really difficult to find schools that are both diverse and offer a good financial aid package. I expect rural schools would offer her more, but that school environment wouldn't work for her.

[Anonymous]

Also keep in mind that the tuition doesn't include room and board, food, books, transportation, etc. Tack on an additional 15,000 for that- either in state or out of state.

[Anonymous]

OP, I teach at UMD-College Park. I would really urge you to consider it. It has all the things you say you are looking for. As an insider, I can tell you that it is a very good fit for a kid with your daughter's profile. I have seen a lot of kids prosper there. It really has a lot going for it if you can get over thinking of it as a local, commuter school, which it really isn't. It will also be half the cost of an OOS public school.

[Anonymous]

I went to UMBC and loved it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, I teach at UMD-College Park. I would really urge you to consider it. It has all the things you say you are looking for. As an insider, I can tell you that it is a very good fit for a kid with your daughter's profile. I have seen a lot of kids prosper there. It really has a lot going for it if you can get over thinking of it as a local, commuter school, which it really isn't. It will also be half the cost of an OOS public school.

OP here. I actually graduated from UMD-CP, so I know it's a great school. But...it's only about 30 minutes from my house. And while I honestly think she will do well here, I feel like it's right in our backyard. I think I will have her apply just to see what happens, but if we get more money for her to go OOS, we'll go that route.

Thanks again for your input. I do agree that UMD-CP rocks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Also keep in mind that the tuition doesn't include room and board, food, books, transportation, etc. Tack on an additional 15,000 for that- either in state or out of state.

The rate from Rutgers includes all fees. Straight tuition is roughly $23k.

[Anonymous]

What is EFC?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I went to UMBC and loved it.

OP, why no UMBC? It could be a perfect fit.