Hi,
Here's my situation. I am currently going to Ohio State University. The tuition here is about $11,000 a quarter. I am going to engineering, which is ranking around the 15th in the country. However, lately, I've been thinking of going to college in my hometown of Toledo. I have been thinking of switching to University of Toledo. The following reasons are making me lean towards going back home:
-It's free because my mom is a professor there
-I could live at home for the first year, which is nice (I don't mind living in dorms, I love the social life, but home is just better in my opinion)
-University of Toledo's engineering program is ranked just a few below OSU's
-I am in a long distance relationship right now and I would be closer to my girlfriend (this is not my deciding factor but certainly adds to the appeal).
Any thoughts or wisdom on this matter? What would you do?
Thank you very much,
Alex
2006-11-12 08:46:19 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
Let me pose your question this way...
Would you pay $10K for a 2002 Chevy Malibu or would you drive a 2002 Ford Taurus that was given to you for free?
College is a HUGE expense (HUGE). If you can get a $60K education for $10K by going to where your mother works, do it. College rankings means very little at the end of the day. Most people in the corporate world are not familiar with college rankings once you get below the MITs, Princetons, and Cal Techs of the world. Chances are any potential employer is not going to know the difference between OSU and U of Toledo.
Normally, I would advocate that you go to school wherever you think you might like to live. Ever wanted to visit Hawaii? Go to the University of Hawaii at Manoa (sorry of the spelling is wrong) for Engineering. Wanted to live on the west coast? Try one of the University of Californias. College would provide a cheap way for you to find out if you like an area or not.
However, being as you can go to school for free, go to where the free education is. Save your money and your loans and go for a Master’s right after your Undergrad. Save your money and buy a 2 bedroom condo when you land a job. You have the potential to save a huge amount of money…take advantage of it.
As for the girlfriend.... As much as I hate to say it, DO NOT expect you two to still be together when you graduate. College is a time when people mature. Much more often than not, people who are a couple when they start college diverge and their lives move separate ways. The newly found freedoms cause people to develop different interests, morals, and desires. Some couples make it and if you can, great, but do not make ANY educational decisions based on relationships unless you are older and already matured.
Living at home? I’m split on that one. There is something to be said about free room and board. On the other hand, there is something to be said about staying out and partying all night, hanging out with your friends, and being on your own for the first time in a controlled environment. I would say the answer to this question depends on your funds. If you can afford the dorms without going into debt..great. If not, well, living at home isn’t the worst thing that will happen.
Good luck to you!! Engineering is tough, just stick with it.
2006-11-13 01:48:37 · answer #1 · answered by Slider728 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it were me, I would really have a hard time deciding. However, since it's not me, the answer seems easy. You should go back home. If the engineering program is ranked just a few below OSU's like you say it is, everything should work out okay.
2006-11-12 16:50:39 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would look into attending one of Ohio's great Independent Colleges before going back to UT. Engineering programs at Case Western are phenomenal.
2006-11-13 13:50:02 · answer #3 · answered by Dustin H 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would move back home, especially since it would be free. Also, i believe education doesn't totally matter where you went to school, but rather what you learned from your schooling and how you apply it to your daily life...
2006-11-12 16:48:48 · answer #4 · answered by Vivian U 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you already know the answer! I'm sure your parents and girlfriend will love having you back in town! Best of luck!
2006-11-12 16:50:25 · answer #5 · answered by i have no idea 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to the school closer to home you get to go there for FREE!!! saves you and you mom money
2006-11-12 16:49:20 · answer #6 · answered by uniqueniky 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Move back home, more positives about it.
2006-11-12 16:50:45 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋