VCU vs. BU?

Today was the first time I’ve had a real talk with my mom about college since September (my dad wasn’t home yet for most of the discussion and honestly I’m glad because he only got in the way/exacerbated things).

Since I haven’t heard back from NYU—I wouldn’t be surprised of the outcome for NYU no matter what happens (whether I get accepted or not)—my mom and I compared VCU and BU after dinner today. 

I was honestly amazed that she took so much time to consider BU. She was actuallyconsidering it. She didn’t shoot BU down like I thought she would. In the past—no matter where I’ve gotten in, it didn’t matter to my mom because financially, there’s no way we can afford anything but VCU. 

We did a breakdown of finances for both schools.

For VCU, I’ve been offered roughly $18,000 ($9,000 in grant/scholarships, the rest are loans) which basically covers everything.

For BU, which is estimated to be a total (tuition, fees, everything) of $59,100 for the 2012-2013 school year, I was offered $31,300 purely in grants, not to mention work study as well as federal loans, totaling up to $41,000 or so. 

If you think about it—I’ve been offered half free for both of the schools (I’m talking in terms of money I don’t have to pay back—grants/scholarships). 

Personally I am surprised that BU accepted me, much less offered me half the total expenses. 

I can’t dismiss the fact that going to VCU would cost me/my parents significantly less. And VCU apparently has the #1 arts program across the nation in terms of public schools.

But having to pay 30,000 per year, total, to go to Boston University—that’s almost like a once-in-a-lifetime thing. Or that’s how it feels to me. The whole thing costs roughly 60k and I’ve been offered at least half for free. Out of all the schools I’ve applied to, BU has offered me the most aid though it’s also been one of my most competitive/selective schools. 

Also, I feel like I would generally have access to more opportunities if I were to attend BU. And I feel like Boston’s environment suits me more.

But I haven’t actually visited, so I don’t know, I don’t know.

My dad has been unwilling to hear me out (he has his heart set on sending me to VCU no matter what because it’s cheaper), so I’ve not discussed with him about BU.

I can’t tell what my mom is thinking, but I think it’s a good sign that she spent almost an entire hour pouring over the financial information for both schools. She and my dad usually never take a second glance at any school ever since I got into VCU. 

But maybe, just maybe—I don’t know. (I'm afraid that my hopes might be up too high.)