Turning down merit for full pay

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ok, I didnt read all the threads after I saw she was a environmental science and dance major.

I know 2 environmental science majors and so many fine arts majors (theatre, art, etc) that I can tell you this is a hobby and not a major.

The environmental science majors are both unexployed after graduating in 2024. I'm really sorry but you need to steer you kid a bit here. The climate will be in a deep freeze for four years at least. Believe or or not, geogolgy working in hydrolics can always be in demand but I'd love to see a W&M grad come out with an econ minor. Econ minors do well. But if you are talking a 50K a year difference to study the original plan at W&M No Way would be my pocketbook. No way.

There were some updates you missed: 1) The differential is $10-20K (not $50K), 2) she would not double major in dance at W&M - the minor is more low-key and would give her balance and community, and 3) we can afford the difference without loans or sacrificing retirement. An additional point: She is an only child. As for the ROI of an environmental science degree, I hear you. It's a terrible time politically for recent grads with climate-focused degrees, but our world will be in worse shape four years from now and nonprofits will adapt to the political climate because they must. I've spent my career in nonprofits and my husband has spent his in public service. We are comfortable, live within our means, and feel fortunate we can pay for the things we value. I'm also prepared that DD will change her mind as 70% of students do when exposed to new opportunities in college and change their majors. I hope she'll find a purpose that is both fulfilling and rewarding.

[Anonymous]

My child had a full ride to a safety they adored, but chose a top 20 instead. Worked out great.

[Anonymous]

I think she should go to W&M if it's at all close.

Don't chase the dance scholarship. It'll be a great hobby, but if you tie the decision/money to it, that's a dangerous game.

Only child? send her where she wants to go. Congrats, mom!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can you comfortably afford it?

Can you comfortably afford it for four years is the actual question.

A,friend did this and was able to adford it for the first 1.5 years only. 2nd semester was too much of a stretch and the kid switched to in state junior year

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:W&M

OOS William and Mary is 100% worth the cost compared to the schools that gave merit due to the fact that there is little chance the merit giving schools are anywhere close to the same level.
William and Mary functions like a private T30 school with its size, intellectual level of the students, and availability of opportunities/respect from MD/law/business programs as well as companies

Agree. My kid was accepted OOS ED. It's on par with elite privates but 25% less. We're full pay.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ok, I didnt read all the threads after I saw she was a environmental science and dance major.

I know 2 environmental science majors and so many fine arts majors (theatre, art, etc) that I can tell you this is a hobby and not a major.

The environmental science majors are both unexployed after graduating in 2024. I'm really sorry but you need to steer you kid a bit here. The climate will be in a deep freeze for four years at least. Believe or or not, geogolgy working in hydrolics can always be in demand but I'd love to see a W&M grad come out with an econ minor. Econ minors do well. But if you are talking a 50K a year difference to study the original plan at W&M No Way would be my pocketbook. No way.

There were some updates you missed: 1) The differential is $10-20K (not $50K), 2) she would not double major in dance at W&M - the minor is more low-key and would give her balance and community, and 3) we can afford the difference without loans or sacrificing retirement. An additional point: She is an only child. As for the ROI of an environmental science degree, I hear you. It's a terrible time politically for recent grads with climate-focused degrees, but our world will be in worse shape four years from now and nonprofits will adapt to the political climate because they must. I've spent my career in nonprofits and my husband has spent his in public service. We are comfortable, live within our means, and feel fortunate we can pay for the things we value. I'm also prepared that DD will change her mind as 70% of students do when exposed to new opportunities in college and change their majors. I hope she'll find a purpose that is both fulfilling and rewarding.

OK, then looks like your mind is made up. End thread.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DS will turn down Michigan engineering for full ride at UMd.

From an ROI standpoint, that was a smart choice.

https://eng.umd.edu/careers/employers/salaries

https://www.collegetransitions.com/dataverse/median-starting-salaries-mechanical-engineering/

Would you do the same (turn down) one of HYP full pay (likely accomplished with some loans) for the full ride at UMd? Similar program ie. CS/Engineering?

Depends on how much "some loans" is. $50K - sure. $200K - yikes.

According to this list, HYP doesn't even show up for top pay, but the list is for MechE. TBH, when I think "top eng school", I don't think of HYP.

https://www.collegetransitions.com/dataverse/median-starting-salaries-mechanical-engineering/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DD is fortunate to have good options to consider and feels very grateful but conflicted. She was accepted to six schools, five of which offered generous merit and/or talent scholarships. The sixth school offered nothing but acceptance, which was a reach. She’s feeling guilty about wanting the more prestigious school she loves when the other schools seem to love her more. We have the money to pay for the sixth school (OOS public), but it will hurt. Thoughts? Advice?

Love the school that loves you back.