Should I go to my first choice school even if its expensive?

Question

My first choice school is Boston University and my second choice is University of Connecticut. If I go to BU (which is very expensive), my parents will pay half, but even after the financial aid package I got, I will wind up with over $60,000 in student loans. Is this worth it? BU is ranked 57th in the nation and UCONN is 68th. I don't know exactly what program I want to go into yet.

Answer 1

Remember if you choose the more expensive school, you will be stuck with a lot of student loans that you will be paying off probably for 20 years...yikes! Those two schools are comparable and so long as you liked UConn, you might as well go there.

Plus there is this theory. You can always tell yourself that if you don't like it, you will transfer. But people tend to talk themselves into liking their choice because they are there and they are comfortable where they are. :)

Good Luck with whatever you choose.

Answer 2

I go to Boston University, and I am from CT, so I am very familiar with UConn. I would never exchange my BU experience to go to UConn. You should take caution when using rankings because I know that BU doesn't submit information for the rankings, so its placement on this list is probably inaccurate. You should definitely think about what you want to study. Here at BU, we have one of the best Communications programs in the country, which is why I chose to go to BU. I also know how bored I would be at UConn going to house parties and not having any other options for fun. Here at BU, I can always find something to do in the city. Since you don't know what program you would like to enter, you might want to go to a cheaper school and then transfer elsewhere once you make a decision, but transferring can be a lengthy process. If I was doing it all over again, I would go to my first choice school in a heartbeat. I have a job for after graduation, and in my job and internship searches over the years, employers have always admired me for being a BU student. All of my friends go to UConn, and I haven't seen any of them have a similar situation. Make sure you visit and see which school is best for you though. Go where you know you will enjoy yourself for four years. Worry about the money later when you receive your big paychecks (that are big because you went to a good school like BU)!

Answer 3

BU and UConn are relatively comperable in most of their academics. UConn also has a good name - it's a reputable school.

Do you think that you'd like UConn if you went there?

I went to my second choice school for the same reason you've mentioned - my first choice school ended up being far too expensive. My second choice school, like UConn, was a fine state university with a good academic reputation. I am glad that I made the choice that I did.

If you go to UConn, you'll actually find a lot of students like you - students who had been accepted into what may be perceived as more elite universities, but made the concious decision, based largely on fiances, to attend their state's best state school instead. Employers know this, and most employers who recruit out of BU will also be recruiting out of UConn - they know they can get strong students from that school.

If you think UConn would be a good fit, and you'll be happy there, it would be a very good choice on your part to go there.

Answer 4

Make sure you visit both schools, talk with the teachers and students, and learn how much interest those student loans will add up to and how long it will take to pay them back. You don't want to go to a school based solely on rating, nor do you want to go to one where you're not comfortable or don't feel a part of. But the finacial responsibility of those loans, especially if you don't plan on living with your parents for the next 10-15 years, can definitely have a toll on you and your personal freedom.

Answer 5

rank of a university doesnt count and how expensive it is doesnt show how good the school is,
i would say its not worth goin to an expensive uni when u dont know exactly what programe to take.
u havent think it through how can u have a first choice, im sure theres a uni which is affordable and good at it eventhough they might be the lowest rank..
think about it

Answer 6

If you were sure which program you wanted to go into, I would say yes. But you are NOT sure. I think you could go to a local 2 year school and take the basics while you think of what you really want to go into. $60,000 is a lot of debt.

Answer 7

I wouldn't. I was accepted into Yale, among other schools, but chose Fairfield University because they gave me a free ride. I am glad I chose Fairfield over the more expensive schools. My education is excellent!