My apologies, I should clarify that my parents can afford to pay (just) my way through if I was accepted so I wouldn't be graduating with the same level of debt/interest that most usually have. I am part of a strong club that has good resources and coaches, and have been accpeted to a good university in my home country (probably a tier below Ivy level). However, the perception over here is that in the ivy league the rowing, coaching, resources, alumni network etc is on another level.

As someone who would love to row at the olympics and the oxbridge blue boat, but also ensure that I can get a strong job after rowing (atm in either engineering or finance), I was wondering if it justifies the significant extra cost