If you got into both a big name school with no aid and a state school on a scholarship, which would you go to?

Question

Which one is the better offer in the long run? I'm kind of in this situation now. I really want to go to the big name school, but I don't want to end up pay off student loans for the rest of my life...What would you do?

Answer 1

I think it largely depends on what field you're going to pursue and your earnings potential after graduation. If you plan on going to grad school, make sure you take into account your earnings potential with just an undergrad degree. I also think it's important to mention that there are many very reputable state schools with academically rigorous programs. The best of both worlds. I know that there are many many ways to evaluate a good program, but another way is to look at the graduate school rankings in your desired program. This gives you a better idea of how well the school is doing in your desired major. I think you will find there are many state schools at or near the top of these rankings. Regardless of what school you choose, you are a large variable in how well you will be in the long run. No matter where you go, you can choose what classes you take and what you get out of them. Make good relationships with your professors - they will eventually be the ones who are called on to recommend you for an internship, job, or graduate school. Also, keep in mind that the professors at the big named schools likely attended the same universities as professors in quality state programs. One thing I can say is that student loans are not pleasant. Take them out sparingly and only if you LOVE the school and program, and it's absolutely necessary. One moment while I step off my soap box:)

Answer 2

Unless you plan on being a doctor or lawyer where you can easily pay off the student loans - I'd go for the state school. Once you graduate and get a job, you will want to spend that money on stuff like a new car, a house, nicer furniture, your family, etc. You won't want to be paying back school loans.

State schools are not bad - in fact, they also have many top ranking programs. It's not worth it to pick a school based only on the name. Plus most employers look at other things such as your GPA, major, references, work experience, etc. So, don't think that the school name is enough to get you a job.

Before you make any final decisions, make sure to thoroughly check out both schools. If you find that you really do like the big name school, maybe it will be worth it for you. If you are not totally passionate about it, stick with the state.

Good luck

Answer 3

Start at the state school with the scholarship. Do really well and see if you can transfer over with a scholarship after a year or two and finish at the other school. Many people still drop out
in the first year, which may leave an advantage to you.

Student loans are like impressment or slavery.
They are also why higher level education costs so much, because the professors' unions suck up all that funding for more pay and benefits.

Answer 4

Take the scholarship. There is no shame in attending a good Sate University or College on scholarship as long as you study hard and get good grades. It is better to start off with little or no debt when you get done with school! You can always re-apply to the big name school for a Masters or PHD program later!

Answer 5

Either take the acceptance to the Big Name school, take a military enrollment deferral and let the Army pay for it after you serve (up to $71,000 from the Army's College Fund) or attend on Student Loans and then enlist and the Army will pay off up to $65,000 in student loans.

Answer 6

diverse it relies upon on the state college and your considerable. If, as an occasion, your alternatives are the Wharton college on the college of Pennsylvania vs a corporation college at Slippery Rock State-- then decide on Wharton. Their graduates get six discern salaries out of school. If, on the different hand, your alternatives are English considerable at college of California at Berkeley vs Yale -- then you definately may well be greater effective off at Berkeley. There are 2 motives -- The pay differential heavily isn't enormous once you get out (simply by key) and berkeley truly has the greater effective English branch. in case you're going right into a pragmatic container, the greater effective call college will possibly provide you greater effective paintings opportunities and pay off interior the long-term. in case you're going into the humanities, then a celebrity public college could desire to be the greater effective selection. A decrease ranked public college won't do as lots for you. that's advisable to ask this question lower back -- giveing greater info approximately your alternatives and your wanted considerable.

Answer 7

Go to the big name school. You'll love it there. I find that people are generally happier in big name schools than in state schools. And also, as jobs are getting harder to find, you'll find that more companies are relying on the name of your school(I know, that doesn't sound fair.). A friend of mine just recently graduated from an Ivy League School, and she aced every job interview as the interviewer was really impressed with the kind of education she's received.

Answer 8

Of course, this is a decision only you can make. You will have to weigh the pros and cons of both programs.

I teach at a state university, and I have taught at a private college. There are advantages and disadvantages to each.

Good luck with your decision!

Answer 9

I'd take the scholarship and get excellent grades, knowing there would be lots of opportunities down the road.