Should you go to a local college that is cheaper, or an Ivy league school that is expensive?

Answer 1

A smart move would be to go to a local college for 2 years to get your core course requirements and then transfer to a major college that offers the major you want to pursue. You could live at home for the first 2 years. A local college is a lot less expensive. Most students are not sure what degree they want to pursue until after the second year. Of course this path works if it is OK with your parents. If your parents can afford it go for the big school. I know a wealthy parent who sent his son to a big school. He finally graduated. His father referres to it as his son majored in fraternity for 5 years. So what, the kid got a job in his father's company. Hope this helps. Good Luck.

Answer 2

First, honestly evaluate your capabilities and set some life goals. If you're aiming at the top in business or politics, and you can get in to an Ivy, do it!

You can learn just as much *in the classroom* by first going to a good two-year community college and then finishing up at a public four-year university in your state. However, the contacts you make at an Ivy plus having the Ivy on your resume will give you a substantial head start in the real world of business and politics.

If you can't go to an Ivy, you can still get a decent head start by *graduating* from a school that is well-known and respected in the field of work or geographic area in which you plan to start your career. Just a couple examples: 1) Miami of Ohio if you are planning a business career in that state; 2) University of Tulsa if you are planning a career in petroleum engineering. This works even if you only spend your last two years in that school.

Good luck!

Answer 3

That depends on what your goals are--and on your resources. Ivyleague schools have a good reputation--but in this day and age there are many other excellant institutions--and many of them are public and therefore much less expensive. If your resources are limited, you'll probably be better served by choosing another school.

Another point--it also depends on what you want to study (I'm assuming you have top grades, etc.--or you wouldn't be thinking Ivy League in the first place!) If you are primarily interested in getting only an undergraduate degree, the "name" value of an Ivy League school may be of more value. But it will cut little ice in getting into graduate school. A department considering you for their program will be far more interested in your record, your skills, etc--than in the name of your school. There may be some exceptions to this in law or business--but even here, the value of the "name" is limited.

And in many areas, the Ivy League schools are not the best rated departments. Here are some exapmpes: In the natural sciences, MIT is among the top, alongwith Georgia Tech, Berkely, Stanford (and a few others). In history and some other liveral arts and science fields, UNC-Chapel Hill. There are top programs in the social sciencs at U Chicago and Tulane. And so on.

But--and I speak form experience--a top-notch performance as an undergraduate will open these grad school doors, even from a midrange college. And those doors will stay closed to the mediocre student, no matter where they went. I was fortunate to realize this as an undergraduate--andnow am working on my doctorate at a "first-tier" institution in an equally well-regarded department.

So--unlessits not a strain--save your money and make yourself "THE" star in whatever you choose to major in. Nothing against the Ivy League; all of them are excellant schools--but what happens to you depends on you--not the public image of your school.

Answer 4

I agree with Bambi--an Ivy League college (or a big price tag) does not guarantee a good education. Or, at least, a lesser price tag at, say, a state university, can get you as good an education in any given field. I know college costs mighty big bucks these days, and I know you can get yourself into debt for a long time...but take the time to look at a number of different options. Visit the campuses. Talk to faculty. Talk to other students. See what sports, activities, clubs and organizations are offered that interest you. See if you like the surrounding town. Try to determine how far away from home you really want to be. There are many things to consider in choosing a college, not just how much it costs.

Answer 5

studies establish two things about the quality of schools
1) students who go to ivies make an enormous amount more than students who go to other universities
2) students with the credentials to be admitted to ivies who go to top publics make an enormous amount more than students who go to other universities.

as a result, if you have a choice between an Ivy league school and a excellent local college that is much cheaper, and you feel comfortable with the education/environment at the local college, I think you should go there. i think this is especially true if you are looking at maybe going continuing on to medical/law/business/whatever school after graduation

Answer 6

What is the local college?

Answer 7

You should pick the college based on what you want to study and then find the best program you can afford in that discipline.

Answer 8

It depends on what you are going to school for. I chose a community college because of cost and indecision..

Answer 9

Select a school that will help accomplish your dream. A school that is strong in a discipline which you want to study.

Answer 10

somany factors
money...what can you afford
place...where do you want to be?
subject...what do you want to study
quality....how good of an education do you want?
and can you get in to the school of your choice.
it's a personal decision.