Originally Posted by Bostonian
The cost of Berkeley has almost risen to that of Harvard for the 2009-2010 academic year. Harvard is probably cheaper for low-income students and more expensive for higher-income ones.

The averages hide the details and gotchas that matter.

An NMSF kid who can get into an Ivy will get a much better deal at a state school tuition wise. Many will get full rides. Having to cover just living expenses.

And if you rely on financial aid, and if you win some minor scholarships, ie 2K a year, that will count against your financial aid. You still have to pick up the bucket. The Ivy just gives you less.

Whereas at the state school the minor stipends can go to your benefit, ie for living expenses. It did for me.