Hey guys,
So I have read numerous threads on CC from high school seniors frantically seeking help in choosing which college to attend, and I totally get it. At the young age of 17 & 18 years old, making this decision seems almost unfair; why should kids who still have to ask their teachers to use the bathroom make this (potentially) financially crippling decision? That is life though and we gotta make the choice. Well, I hope my insight can make that decision a little easier.
I was accepted to Syracuse University as well as different SUNY schools. Now, once I received my acceptance letter from Syracuse, the SUNY options immediately flew out the window. There was NO WAY that I’d attend a SUNY after getting into the super awesome Syracuse University! Then reality struck: Syracuse University is $60,000 a year, which is over half of what my parents make combined.
From the perspective of a high school senior (I’m guessing), these numbers really hold no value in the sense that in HS, people do not really understand how devastating it is to pay these prices for college. No big deal… Just take out a loan, right? HAVE FUN PAYING THE INTEREST PLUS PRINCIPAL WHEN YOU GRADUATE! Please, do not fall into the trap of “I don’t have to worry about paying now, so whatever.” When you graduate, it will be extremely hard to pay off 6 figure debt, even with a good starting salary (expect to live with mom and dad for a few years after graduation).
Okay, there is financial aid and merit scholarships that reduce tuition and fees. Syracuse University is VERY GENEROUS, but if you’re like me (not eligible for need-based aid), you are still paying a considerable amount over what you would pay at a SUNY school (if your an NY resident).
Here’s the scoop:
- Consider what you want to major in. Is the program you're going for really worth paying the extra amount at XYZ university? Could be. Using SU as an example, their Newhouse School programs are among the best in the country.
- Talk to your parents! Have an honest conversation with them about finances. In most cases, if you're taking out a loan, you will need them to co-sign. If you can't pay your debt, they will have to. To me, I'd hate to see my parents pay off my loans, especially if it's some crazy amount. Their credit can be ruined by your student loans! Go to the college that has a great program for your major at the best cost.
- Give those other, cheaper options a real chance. I turned down SU for SUNY Albany and I thought I'd forever regret my decision. Turns out that I love UAlbany and I would make the same decision over and over again. I get it; it seems so awesome to attend a university with the school spirit and blah blah blah like what is offered at SU, but don't think you will have such a dreadful experience at a different school. Each college has it's own perks!
- Please consider community college. I attended comm college for 2 years and I am so happy I did. All of my credits transferred to UAlbany (CHECK ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS), so I was able to enter as a junior and I paid SIGNIFICANTLY less than those who started at UA as freshmen. Plus, this gives you a chance to get some better grades if you didn't do too well in HS.
- Realize that you can transfer if you absolutely hate the school you chose. BE WARNED: You can lose credits this way.
- Think about the future: are you going to attend grad school? Don't bury yourself so deep in debt during your undergrad and then dump even more on yourself during grad school.
Long story short, think about what you will major in and what school has the best program for it, talk to your parents about how much they can help you financially, do your research about the colleges you apply to, and in case this hasn’t been said enough: DON’T SPEND A TON ON TUITION! Debt is bad, mmkay?
PS: Syracuse University is an amazinggggg university and I am in no way bashing it. If it were possible for me to attend, you bet I’d be going there. It just turns out that money was an issue, so I opted for SUNY Albany, and I am actually in love with my university.
