Revising this thread because son is going through the same situation has offers from both JUCO's and some serious interest from D3's.
Very High academic kid. Could go JUCO route completely free. Could get a hefty scholarship at a D3, but it would not cover all the costs and it would still be expensive. What are your all thoughts for an academic kid? What is the level of competition for both of them? Both are good programs. Would love to hear your opinions.
POD: I am definitely scratching my head on this one. If your son is a "Very High Academic Kid," why wouldn't you go to a school where he could earn the best degree? (you said he has D3 interest). Even if it may be tougher to pay$$ to in the short term, a degree at a selective school will likely pay dividends upon graduation in the job market. I guess if you're thinking JUCO, then what is the target school(s) in a couple years?
That is exactly what we were thinking. Instead of paying to play 4 years there, he could go play JUCO for free, and then maybe transfer to his target school and play 2 years.I have also showed him some stuff I have read on here about D3's and he is a little wary now. Right now I think son is just real confused and has no clue what he wants do yet.
PitcherOnlyDad,
Tough question to answer without knowing your financial situation, what your son wants to study, and what he wants to do after graduation. Has he done any research on his career prospects in his major and ability to pay back student loans? Some majors are better served at high academic schools while others could be better served at a state school or JUCO.
Personally, the baseball has been a secondary decision in our household with our three boys. One opted to play in college and the other two elected to focus their time elsewhere. There a no guarantees in either direction.
Good luck!
We are not the richest around by no means and at the D3 school student loans would be a must. That is why JUCO seemed like a good option, because it would be completely free. Also, speaking of majors, son has absolutely no clue what he wants to major in. Honestly, all he has thought about is baseball up to this point. I constantly tell him he needs to be thinking about these things, but all he says is, "I'll figure it out once I get there."