Higher Education costs in WA post pandemic

[MtnSurfer]

Originally Posted by StealthRabbit

Having friends get caught in both the recent Concordia and Marylhurst College failures in Portland, there are concerns about the continued viability of other private U's. (One I attended an edu event last weekend is at 30% of previous student numbers, Ghost town). It would be wise to have a plan B on place. A few family and friends are Seattle Pacific grads, and 2 friends are attending at the moment. DS lives within 5 min so we visit frequently.

I think it's great that U's are reducing tuition, as long as they have sustainable methods to continue a high quality of academics and maintain the facilities.
...

Since you know a lot of folks who have or are attending Seattle Pacific, what are your general thoughts of the place compared to other privates in the PNW? I think of Seattle Pacific, Pacific Lutheran, University of Portland and George Fox in a similar kind of light, a sort of 'middle to good' private school tier. While not Whitman, Reed or Lewis and Clark, they seem to have a solid reputation and diverse sets of offerings. Though I do not have a sense of how financially solvent these schools are post Covid. I heard of some really bad experiences from students attending Concordia when it collapsed. That sounded like a nightmare for some.

I know there have been a number on chopping block due to major financial problems including the failures of Concordia and Marylhurst. I'm not sure which one you are referring to at 30% capacity, but that sounds like a death blow financially and possibly beyond life support at this stage. Oregon seems to a lot more of these smaller boutique privates.

Derek

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by MtnSurfer

... I think of Seattle Pacific, Pacific Lutheran, University of Portland and George Fox in a similar kind of light, a sort of 'middle to good' private school tier. While not Whitman, Reed or Lewis and Clark, ...

I agree and friends have been happy and well served at the above, tho I would probably place Linfield slightly ahead of GF (Depending on program). And both are in a different tier than SP, PL or UP.

Whitman has been good for some I know who have pursued community development / gov planning jobs (As has WWU)

Reed and L&C likely better prepares students for upper level careers and programs in Academia / Law / Theology +/- as a financial future or a career choice. some make it, some will never make, many don't care (and that is not bad either! If they can get by, and are pleased, that is fine).

IIWTDIO as advice for one of my kids who did WSU-V instead of their first choice of UP, definitely UP was far better suited for where they headed and are now positioned. (Which is very different that their declared interest / objectives / intent at the time.)

LISTEN carefully to their hearts. I don't think that is easy to do at that age, but... you have a perceptive spouse. So listen to everyone's hearts My spouse was totally silent on the issue (as usual) and that fogged my ability to truly hear the hearts of my college bound kids. That did not serve them well, tho they have done great, they are not as happy or close to their potential as they could have been. Parenting is an art, not a science (and sometimes tough for engineers / type AAA (skill purposed) parents to see that).

I did not restrict the kids choices, I just suggested they could do state schools for undergrad, and then attend a prestige / desired college for grad school. Generally that may not be poor input, but it falls far short of the 'best' and most comprehensive decision process.

The choices are quite vast. I think I would recommend spend a day attending classes at each of your top few choices. "Tour Day" may not illustrate the student and staff engagement that can be so instrumental in edu outcomes. If students sit around on their hands (not participate) and profs 'over-lord' the discussions and teachings... I'm outta-there, and I know my kids would choose to be also.