The cost may or may not be more for a private school. Here's my situation. I got into MCG - my state school, as well as UNC out of state, Emory, and Mount Sinai. MCG of course would have been the least costly at around $60,000 in debt after 4 years (esp. considering they gave me a scholarship), but I wasn't so keen on Augusta, GA. Now UNC was nice and gave me a small scholarship, but the out of state tuition would have put me over $160,000 in debt after 4 years (no guarantees on getting in state tuition there). Now for the private schools. Emory offered $16,000 per year in grant money since I had need as determined by FAFSA, leaving a four year debt of $120,000. Mount Sinai offered $20,000 per year in grant money, leaving $100,000 of debt after 4 years, plus interest free loans of three different varieties. Thus, I considered the difference between Mount Sinai and MCG to be very small in terms of finances, but huge in terms of living and cultural experiences. As you can see from these numbers, the actual cost varies greatly depending on your specific financial situation (and that of your parents). Private schools have MUCH more money to offer for grants and scholarships than state schools. If you have need or are an exceptional applicant, you can probably expect to get grant or scholarship money from the privates (some but not all, I hear Harvard can be "stingy"). So, apply to lots of places, and don't limit yourself based upon the published numbers, because your financial situation is unique, and each schools' financial package will also be unique. Go where you will be HAPPIEST, considering ALL factors.
