Each DC is different.

We live in VA, and I would love for my DCs to go to UVA. Unfortunately, NOVA applicants have a hard time getting into UVA or W&M. So no, my DCs can't get into the in-state flagship(s).

I've visited UMD, and I don't like it for the many reasons put forward in other threads. However, for a MD resident, I can sympathize with you, trying to explain to DC why lower cost should outweigh the perceived and real deficiencies of UMD.

You will make the right choice for your DC.

^^ foot the bill, not fit the bill

In your case, it sounds like UMD would be a great choice. If you have trouble convincing your kid, maybe a good compromise would be a study abroad or a summer program at some other state.

The people I know who studied out of state had a variety of reasons - majors/ courses that weren't available instate but were out of state, programs that were especially well-known or connected to work opportunities out-of-state, didn't get into their state flagship, scholarship money, better reputation of out-of-state school and parents who could fit the bill. Sometimes, there are even special situations you may not know about: a state that gives a kid instate tuition because their divorced parent lives there. I remember a kid who went to an out-of-state school for free or a reduced price because their dad was a member of a specific tribe - but people didn't even realize that because the kid was raised by a Hispanic man and people assumed that was his dad.

So yes, people have good reasons but that might not be your situation.

Anonymous wrote:My kid is interested in CU Boulder and a bunch of other big publics (Illinois, Wisconsin, Penn State)

But if those places are over 50K, why would any of them ever be a good choice compared to UMD? He's interested in physics, which UMD is highly ranked in.

The only reason to go elsewhere is simply itchy feet, wanting to be further from home, which I can udnerstand. Not sure it's a sentiment that it's worth 100K+ over four years to indulge.

I get it. We live in VA with plenty of great options.

My advice, get the loan under your kids name! LOL.

I went out of state to a private, but for each school I applied to I had to sell my parents on why it was better than the state flagship (UNC) where my admission chances were pretty much guaranteed (as in-state student). I ended up applying to a lot of SLACs because I could sell them on the added value there; under no circumstances could I sell them on the value of, say, Michigan.

People do different things, but for your kid you have a voice in the conversation, and your perspective makes sense to me.

Because some don't have good instate options, some believe it's kid's decision, some want to get kids away, some have money... most of them reasons really have othing to do with education itself. in your case, UMD for sure.

Anonymous wrote:My kid is interested in CU Boulder and a bunch of other big publics (Illinois, Wisconsin, Penn State)

But if those places are over 50K, why would any of them ever be a good choice compared to UMD? He's interested in physics, which UMD is highly ranked in.

The only reason to go elsewhere is simply itchy feet, wanting to be further from home, which I can udnerstand. Not sure it's a sentiment that it's worth 100K+ over four years to indulge.

Some people have the money. The same argument can apply to any private college, but the still get plenty of applicants. Also, not everyone wants to spend 4 years in college park

My DC went to the University of Michigan from Maryland. Half the kids there are from out of state, including a large contingent from the DMV, so clearly some people follow this path. DC really had no interest in UMD, and the alternatives to Michigan were all private colleges so the cost was the same.

It also depends on if they get into their in-state school, no? It is not easy to get into UMD for some coveted majors.

Kids go to OOS and in-state for a lot of reasons. Do what is best for your kid and your family.

My kid wanted to go out of state and my other kid can't get into Maryland, so he'll probably go to an out of state public in a different state.

We looked at UMBC and Towson and didn't love either and we can afford out of state so he is looking there.

Consider that you are apt to learn more and do better if you are in a supportive environment that makes you happy.

For example, if you would feel happiest at a suburban or urban campus and your flagship is in a rural area, why should you go there?

If you aren't happy, you aren't going to be as engaged in the classroom and outside of it.

I love these posts where the OP is so confident and wants to make sure by making other people prover her wrong.

No thanks. Your way is the best. We should all value what you value. Others doing differently is inconceivable. It's just because they're stupid.

God bless.

If it’s not right for your family then it’s not right for your family. Problem solved. Don’t worry about other peoples decisions.

Anonymous wrote:My kid is interested in CU Boulder and a bunch of other big publics (Illinois, Wisconsin, Penn State)

But if those places are over 50K, why would any of them ever be a good choice compared to UMD? He's interested in physics, which UMD is highly ranked in.

The only reason to go elsewhere is simply itchy feet, wanting to be further from home, which I can udnerstand. Not sure it's a sentiment that it's worth 100K+ over four years to indulge.

sometimes with aid and counting how many AP can be used, they may end up cheaper at the end.

My kid is interested in CU Boulder and a bunch of other big publics (Illinois, Wisconsin, Penn State)

But if those places are over 50K, why would any of them ever be a good choice compared to UMD? He's interested in physics, which UMD is highly ranked in.

The only reason to go elsewhere is simply itchy feet, wanting to be further from home, which I can udnerstand. Not sure it's a sentiment that it's worth 100K+ over four years to indulge.