Is this a good college/university? (private school, scholarships, score, paying)

[toobusytoday]

Of those schools William and Mary is my top choice but it's probably the most competitive too. Great location! One of my nephews attends University of Dayton, he likes it but is in the business department and he switched there from engineering which was too challenging for him.

[Rebelution]

Top choices are:

1. Pitt
2. Pitt
3. Pitt

[msamhunter]

Butler is in the city and is a very good school. Top Fine Arts, top pharmacy, top Pharmacy Assistant.

[plaidmom]

I think this is a great thread and just wanted to share this link:

Colleges That Change Lives | Changing Lives, One Student at a Time

Because they list some interesting, out-of-the-box suggestions.

[plaidmom]

Originally Posted by toobusytoday

Penn State is the flagship college in Pennsylvania. It is very well thought of in the state but also very expensive. Tuition alone for one year for an out of state student is $28,00 plus another $9,000 for room and board. It is also the most competitive college to get into from all of the colleges on your list.

Thanks for pointing this out. I'm amazed at the students/parents who look at top-tier state colleges (from out of state) and yet rule out private schools.

I just don't get it. At that price point private schools are definitely in the picture.

[plaidmom]

Originally Posted by jobaba

They're all good, huge state schools.

You'll need to pick based on location...

If it were me,

It'd be Austin, then Atlanta. Then wherever the h@ll Purdue is

Funny because I went to UT and my SO went to Purdue for both undergrad and grad school.

Austin is a reputable school (of course), and the student experience is wonderful. Smack dab in the "live-music capital of the world" (). Big party scene, great outdoor activities year-round (running, cycling/mountain biking, rock climbing, rowing etc). Excellent restaurants, coffee shops and bars. And yes the blonde Texas co-eds really are that hot (and no I wasn't one of them ---more of a nerdy art-girl).

The downside? All that fun can get in the way of serious matriculation.

Purdue? Well it really is in the middle of cornfields. Sorry Boilermakers! We looked at that school for my daughter and she said "no way". On the other hand, if you want an excellent engineering school with some serious cred and no distraction? It could be a great fit. You'd be an hour away from Indy and, ~2 hours from Chicago for your big-city fix.

Don't know much about Atlanta. Sorry.

Also wondering if Virginia Tech and University of Michigan are on your list?

[K-Luv]

Originally Posted by golfgal

Ok, how about these schools:

University of Dayton
Butler University in Indianapolis--and is this IN Indianapolis or in a suburb?
College of William and Mary
University of Northern Iowa
Valparaiso University

Probably majoring in biology or chemistry looking to go on to medical school

How are the math departments at these schools as well?

William and Mary all the way. It's the oldest public university in the U.S. (founded in 1639), Thomas Jefferson is an alum, it's close to the Chesapeake/Atlantic, it's ranked 33rd nationally (if you care about USN&WR rankings) and its name carries weight.

I am not sure about its biology or chem programs at the undergrad level, but I'm sure they are decent considering the reputation of the school.

Valparaiso is the only other university I've heard of on your list. I don't know much about it other than its engineering college is highly ranked. I believe it is within the top 25 nationally. So, I would imagine their Math Department is tops as well.

[ElijahAstin]

Originally Posted by plaidmom

Thanks for pointing this out. I'm amazed at the students/parents who look at top-tier state colleges (from out of state) and yet rule out private schools.

I just don't get it. At that price point private schools are definitely in the picture.

Pitt's just as good as Penn State and a lot more generous with merit/financial aid.

[toobusytoday]

Originally Posted by HeavenWood

Pitt's just as good as Penn State and a lot more generous with merit/financial aid.

Actually I wouldn't say that Pitt is really more generous with fin aid then PSU.

You can compare them here: College Navigator - University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

I find it interesting to see how it seems to swing back and forth as to which school is more appealing each year, at least at our HS. For the last couple of years it's been Pitt, but when my oldest was in HS several years ago, it was Penn State. Both are very good colleges.

[ElijahAstin]

Originally Posted by toobusytoday

Actually I wouldn't say that Pitt is really more generous with fin aid then PSU.

You can compare them here: College Navigator - University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

I find it interesting to see how it seems to swing back and forth as to which school is more appealing each year, at least at our HS. For the last couple of years it's been Pitt, but when my oldest was in HS several years ago, it was Penn State. Both are very good colleges.

PSU gives full rides to valedictorians, but otherwise the max. merit aid they give out is $3,500 a year I believe. Pitt gives a lot of full rides.

Both are good schools. Penn State has the brand name, but Pitt is an equally good school overall. Pitt is better in some programs, Penn State is better than others. It's a wash, and should come down to cost and preferred environment.