Every school determined that we were not going to qualify for need based aid so our only option was merit aid. She found Duke most appealing although other schools offered her much more attractive merit packages with a couple even offering full scholarships. During a recent visit to Duke we scheduled a conversation with the financial aid office. They told us there was no merit options available for her. I explained that Amanda had full ride merit offers and we were still considered those offers. The financial aid officer said "we don't aspire to be the low cost alternative." I guess she had that conversation before with other parents.
Today we got the tuition bill. Luckily we've been saving for a long time and should be able to pay it. I sure hope that Duke will be worth what we are paying. Only time will tell.
Speaking of time, my younger daughter Courtney just completed the 10th grade. She is a very impressive student in her own right. I know I'm not looking forward to paying two college tuition bills in a couple of years. Somehow I'm sure we won't be looking for the "low cost alternative" for Courtney either.
3 comments:
Scary to think this might be me in a mere 5 years. I say might because even scarier is that it might not be because my son is considering a military career also. But then 3 years later his sister will likely be looking to spend some of our savings. And in the meantime we are looking at about $45K in high school tuition.
holy crap. No financial aide at Duke is one of those scenarios that keep me up at night. That's what you get from a top tier school I guess. You really can't negotiate with those people. And just think, there's going to be another one of those bills coming right around Christmastime!
We look forward to having Amanda here in NC. Please let me know when you're coming into town, I'd love to help her get moved into the dorm. And my guest room is always open anytime you guys want to come down and visit her.
Congratulations to Amanda! You must be so proud.
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