GMU is a great institution, but not a great decision for OOS students.

What's your in state option?

Don’t waste your money for colleges ranked below T20

Anonymous wrote:No and it wasn't worth it for in state either. DH had 80k in loans from in state. I was shocked at the price because I went to a better ranked in state and had no loans.

Why was the difference between you two? Was it life style? Was it lack of parental support? Scholarships? Better majors?

Will someone give your kid $300K for free at the beginning of their career or any time in their life? How long will it take for them to save that much money? The immense leg-up in life you can give to your child with that 300k is life changing.

Dcum can have their opinion but i hope my people listen to me. Go to your in-state public option if you ARE NOT SUPER WEALTHY.

300K is life changing. Debt-free college is life changing. Being able to not be a burden on your kids in your old age is life changing.

No and it wasn't worth it for in state either. DH had 80k in loans from in state. I was shocked at the price because I went to a better ranked in state and had no loans.

Recruiting events vibes, my ass! STEM Employers are going to all campus but the real jobs are given to students who are able to do internships/research/jobs during their summer breaks starting from the very first year, and then also applying extensively at least a semester before graduating.

Yes, employers are being selective and there are multiple rounds of testing and interviews (unless they give the students a call-back after seeing their performance during internships), but the cream will rise to the top - regardless of the college.

I echo a PP about the alumni network. Especially now that it will be harder than ever to find a job. I have one at PSU sophomore STEM and has told me that the recruiting events are HUGE. His friends that are seniors already have jobs lined up. He has had many opportunities to do cool things like intern for happy valley united and learn about the NIL industry. Although he has no interest in this field, he met so many alumni donors at various events, collected contact info, made a lot of friends and just had lots of fun. He has some phenomenal professors, and some that aren’t as great, but he can lean on the learning and teaching assistants for help. Always things going on the campus, lots of energy. He didn’t get into his dream school. Got into 2nd choice. PSU was his safety. After touring all the schools. 2nd choice was knocked out (BC for anyone curious). PSU jumped to the top. Got a scholarship thru honors college. On the flipside my DD is at UMD. Great school, much nicer honors college dorms, better food, but she laments about how “the vibe” isn’t like PSU. Go to the admitted students day. That will be very helpful in helping make the decision.

OP here. DC does not want in state for a specific reason, and I don't blame them.

Yes, we can "afford" the $300K, but it will wipe out all of DC's inheritance, which they are willing to do, but they are 17 and not exactly aware of financial consequences of such a decision.

My question is, "is it worth $300K". It's the summer start that's adding an extra $20K, and although that's about 6% or so of the total, it still adds to putting the budget over. Quite frankly, I didn't expect summer start to be so pricey.

They did apply to and get merit aid from small private colleges, but they aren't as keen on those, and those colleges aren't as good for the major (it's not CS).

My understanding is that PSU has an amazing alumni network, and that is no small thing. Also, IF DC decides to change majors (which I could see happening), I'm thinking PSU would be better for that, too.

But the aid from GMU is also no small thing, and yes, I'm aware of the GPA requirements.

We are so torn about this decision. Overall, I do think PSU is better but is it "better" for $300k?

No college for CS is worth $300K. Period.

My kid went in-state to UMD on full tuition merit scholarship. Majoring in CS. Did paid internships in the summer of all three years and got his first job at a FAANG company.

Yes, God only knows how long the FAANG job will last in this current state of economy and job market...but at least he is not lagging behind those students who paid 300K for a CS degree in terms of getting a first job.

BTW - we paid for all other costs for my son - food, apartment, clothes, international travel, socializing etc. And adding all of that cost around 72K- 75K over 4 years. He did not have a car, parking fees, insurance, gas payments in college. Also, he was 30 minutes away so we were not paying for his flight tickets etc.

SO - Remember - there are still significant costs involved for just living a normal life and meeting your basic+ necessities, if your kid is not living at home.

Noooo

Anonymous wrote:What is the kids major?

DP, but major is finance and fall start. Worth it?

What is the kids major?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Guessing, Ohio State and Michigan State come in cheaper.

Michigan State is coming in over 57k/yr without merit.

You have a chance for merit there. A friend’s son who didn’t get into Penn State, got it a little below 40.

If it can be done without loans, yes, Penn State is better (better education, better networking after). If any loans are needed, no.

There is time before committing to any school. Admitted students days might help your student “see” if GMU a good fit.