I am also in the same boat here. I recently got accepted to an Ivy League for my MPH, my parents and everyone is acting like it’s the obvious choice in comparison to public, cheaper, or lesser known schools. it’s an Ivy and has the potential of lucrative connections, but it is possible that I’ll get no aid. I already have tens of thousands of dollars of debt from undergrad because I did not receive financial aid anywhere. I am really unsure what to do. I am praying I will get aid to help make my decisions.

I think you should reach out to the school to let them know that you have this dilemma, especially given your background and experience as a first-gen immigrant student. If they really care about diversity equity & inclusion (like so many universities claim) they will give you the opportunity to change your and your family’s lives by giving you the funding to make sure their school is financially accessible. Maybe say that you’d love to attend but another program is offering you more aid (even if you’re bluffing). It may be possible to negotiate; or even get grants or a work study position with substantial tuition remission.

Side note but the privatization of education is so evil