I totally understand the dilemma but I side against loans for undergrad. Did your student dislike JMU?

Per year

Anonymous wrote:
Student loan max is $27k not $40k. Do you have the remaining $13k?

Yes, I meant that student will get $5K(ish) loan and the rest we'd pay for.

Just not sure if the prestige factor of WM is worth it.

Anonymous wrote:WM would be about $10K per year... student loan and the rest, parent contribution. JMU Centennial Scholars covers tuition, room & board (everything but textbooks and some other fees).

Student studying business and Spanish. Prefers WM, but likes the idea of zero debt.

As I wrote above, JMU is the better choice for ant Centennial Scholar due to the academic mentoring, mandatory community service, and great scholarship.

Business & Spanish is a great combination, but your student may want to attend grad school after a few years of working after college. No need to burden one's future with unnecessary student debt.

Anonymous wrote:WM would be about $10K per year... student loan and the rest, parent contribution. JMU Centennial Scholars covers tuition, room & board (everything but textbooks and some other fees).

Student studying business and Spanish. Prefers WM, but likes the idea of zero debt.

Go with the zero debt. The Centennial scholars program will provide assistance along the way to ensure the kids are successful.

Anonymous wrote:WM would be about $10K per year... student loan and the rest, parent contribution. JMU Centennial Scholars covers tuition, room & board (everything but textbooks and some other fees).

Student studying business and Spanish. Prefers WM, but likes the idea of zero debt.

Student loan max is $27k not $40k. Do you have the remaining $13k?

WM would be about $10K per year... student loan and the rest, parent contribution. JMU Centennial Scholars covers tuition, room & board (everything but textbooks and some other fees).

Student studying business and Spanish. Prefers WM, but likes the idea of zero debt.

They are fairly different schools, but I loved JMU on my visit and would go there if there are no other factors.

JMU. The price difference between the two schools is probably about $100k all-in, right? Use that for grad school, grandkids or a down payment on a house someday.

I'd go with the free ride to JMU and I say that as a W&M grad. Get a higher GPA with less stress and use the money you save for grad school.

Without more specific info.--such as intended major & career goals--the full ride at JMU is the safer choice because the student receives academic mentoring and participates in mandatory community service--which looks great on one's resume.

I would absolutely go with JMU. A free ride? Take it!

Need more details.

How much will WM cost?

Does full ride at JMU include room and board?

What is the four year price differential?

Does student greatly prefer WM over JMU?

Will loans be needed for W&M, and how much? If more than $27k limit then JMU, if not then W&M.

Please help us decide...
W&M with some need-based aid, or a full-ride at JMU (Centennial Scholar)