Thanks for the input, IO540, I am aware of the potential pitfalls as I am aware of the methods of carrying out due dilligence to establish if a risk is worth taking. My objection is to those, especially those without sufficient knowledge, who delight in scarmonering with assumptions that any school offering a discount is on the verge of going under and that paying up front is never an option. To me they are as blind as those who do pay up front without carrying out any due dilligence.