Am I crazy for wanting to transfer just to save money?

Parents Forum
1

(Cross-posted from the Transfer Students forum because I’d like to get some parents’ opinions as well)

I’m a freshman at Northeastern right now. By the end of spring semester, I’ll have 50 credits, and if I follow through with my tentative summer plans, I’ll have 66. A month and a half into college, I’m finding myself wanting to transfer.

I know this is such a common post for a freshman, but it’s not the usual reason. I absolutely love my school, and I’ve adjusted really well. I have friends, I’ve joined clubs, my classes are going well, etc. The reason I’m considering transferring is due to finances.

I’m paying my own way through college (it’s a long story) and I can spend about $30k per year max on everything, including travel. My parents cannot and will not help with expenses, so I have to manage everything really carefully. I managed to get a decent financial aid package that doesn’t require me to take loans. It leaves me with about $2k - $6k left over each year, depending on fees and taking into account rising costs plus a future Pell increase.

My issue is that I’m working toward becoming a teacher. I’m majoring in English, but NU doesn’t have an education major, instead it’s an extra year for a master’s program. If I plan it out really, really carefully and take summer classes, I can graduate with a bachelor’s in three years and one co-op. My fourth year would then be the masters in teaching. However, four years here would really add up, and I’m starting to think that I’d rather save the money and go to a cheaper school. And yes, I’m kicking myself right now for valuing a big city NE experience and “prestige” over the many full rides I could have gotten for NM.

The option I’m looking at right now would be the state school (a directional) closest to my house. I’d be transferring in for Fall 2017. It’s about half an hour away on a good traffic day, but I wouldn’t live at home, instead I’d get an apartment closer. Even with that cost added in, that school would be significantly cheaper than NU. It would end up being about $2k per year, plus housing and food costs. This would save me an enormous amount of money, meaning that I could save it for later to put toward a down payment or something down the line when I am a broke public school teacher.

It’s not that I don’t love my school, but I’m finding it really hard to justify paying this much. (And yes, I realize that I have a very generous finaid package, and many people would love to pay 1/3 of the full COA.) Especially when there’s a much cheaper option that actually offers a secondary education major with an English focus. It’s not a master’s, but I can always go back for that. There are some other considerations, too. I came to this school looking for a challenge, and so far I haven’t found it, even taking upperclass courses. I also kind of hate the dorm environment, and there’s not much else I can afford in Boston. I know there would be problems with resolving or losing transfer credit, but I’m willing to put in the extra time to get it in line.

Bottom line or TLDR: I’m thinking about transferring to a much cheaper (~16k/year) school due to the money I would save. I’m working toward a teaching degree, so I need an education program, and prestige is not a concern for me at all.

Thanks for reading! Feel free to ask questions if I’ve left out any gaps.

2

I think your thinking is very mature and intelligent.

I think it makes sense for two reasons:

  1. The public school offers your intended major, and
  2. As you know, you'll be able to save a pretty nice little hill of cash. Whether you use it for a down payment, grad school, investments or whatever else, the key is that you'll have it, and that is wonderful in itself due to the sense of security it offers. Heck, you could stick $10k in a rainy day fund, use the rest however, and be in great shape.

Well done.

3

Why do you want to go back home, though? From what I recall you are not close with your parents and were trying to distance yourself from them. Also, if you are not being challenged at NEU, you probably won’t be challenged either at the directional - but I get it - why pay for the same amount of ‘challenge’.

I would really give it more time - and perhaps look at other more affordable transfer options that can still give you an interesting experience rather than go back home where you were not very happy and can’t take advantage of the free R&B your parents would give you. How much savings (per year) does going to the directional save you vs what you are paying now (including the expected cost of rent, car, room, board, etc…).

Is there any chance Alabama would still give you scholarship or aid as a transfer? How about your state flagship? Call them - find out what your options are there. I think it was Minnesota?

Also, please please talk to your advisor. This is what they are there for and I’m sure they can help you figure out your options.

4

It may be better in the long run to major in the subject you want to teach, and then add an education master’s later, done over time. In our state you get hired with a BA in your subject and have time to do the Master’s.

Northeastern coop program is well-known and very helpful. The kids I know who went there are all working at jobs they like. Is it possible you might benefit from those in terms of career exploration? There are many jobs that involve English skills (writing, analysis) and teaching is also part of many careers.

Northeastern also has students from all over and diversity of all kinds.

If Northeastern truly doesn’t fit what you want and strains your budget, by all means return home and do an education degree, but long term you may find it more limiting.

5

What state do you want to teach in? If you haven’t done so, check the state’s board of education (or whatever it is called in the state you want to teach). There should be a list of universities/colleges that have an approved teacher education program. Hopefully, the website will list by subject area. As you have found out, some schools the certification is at the masters level while others it is at the bachelors.

I agree with prezbucky. It is very mature of you to realize that reducing your current college expenses to become a future teacher is a good idea.
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6

Please consider staying and going for the masters in education if you can tolerate these loans. It is not an unreasonable amount for school loans. Also, you may change your mind eventually about teaching. You should get a degree in the subject you want to teach. There are several programs for free masters in education with a service component if that is something you want to consider. You sound bright and mature. You should use college to learn as much as you can, develop critical thinking and writing skills and gain many experiences (if you can afford the luxury!).

7

Tuition and fees at your directional cost only $1000 per semester? That seems very low - cheaper than community college.

8

This was definitely a huge (maybe the biggest) reason that I had to for going far away. It’s worked out really well so far, and I have a much better relationship with my parents now than I did even this summer before I left. However, I think, honestly, that if I went back home, but had my own place and paid my own bills, and all that jazz, we’d be able to maintain a much healthier relationship. A lot of those problems were around things that were changing in households, living arrangements, sharing costs, etc. Living on the other side of the city, not with either of them, and just going for dinner once a week or whatever - I think that would be a much better setup.

Also, just a note, my mom fully supports this idea, haven’t talked to my dad yet.

As far as the certification requirements - I’m not sure where I want to live yet, but I think it will probably be somewhere in the Midwest, at least for my first few years. I’ve checked the requirements in MI, MN, MO, etc. and they require a bachelor’s degree including some sort of teacher prep program. My issue with the plan at Northeastern is that I would do my undergrad in English, then go into a MAT program just to take basic education classes that I could have just done for undergrad.

I’ve also looked into the various nonprofits around here that run teacher certification programs. There are a lot, but most seem to require a commitment to attend with only a small stipend, and then teach for several years under strict requirements. I’m not sure I’d be able to fulfill (or afford) all of those requirements.

It would be a little more than that, especially with books, but yes it’s pretty low. It’s a low cost of living area, plus the transfer scholarship I would get, plus the fact that tuition is not really that high anyway. It’s a good deal. I ran the NPC, but it’s not super accurate as I have a weird situation, obviously, so I’m planning on following up with the fin aid office. Even without any, tuition and fees are only $5k per semester plus books, so it would be a better option even then.

9

So you are currently paying ~18K for NEU for tuition, R&B. If you moved back home, you’d be paying about $3-5000 per year (likely or 10K per worst case) plus Rent, utilities, food? Help us figure out the delta here so you can have an accurate picture of savings.

That said, it will CERTAINLY be cheaper than Boston. The question is do you really want to go back to your local area and stay or try to make it work somewhere else (even somewhere else in he Midwest). Seems like a big decision to be thinking about only 6 weeks into school. I think NEU may be able to help you tighten up your finances (they have other scholarship opportunities you may be able to go for - especially if you get amazing grades since you are saying classes are super easy).

10

I have spent my life in the education field. Your degree from Northeastern will help you get a job in a better district. Better districts pay much better which will make a huge difference in the long run. I don’t think the amount of debt you are taking on is unmanageable. I also think a pervious poster is right…you might eventually do something other than teach and your NE degree will serve you well. Its JMHO but since everything is going well I think you should relax and enjoy your experience. You are to be commended for finishing undergrad in three years. Everyone needs a masters to teach so just keep going. Good for you!

11

Don’t forget to budget accurately for a move to your own apartment. You will be signing a lease for 12 months- you can kiss your security deposit goodbye since most landlords keep it when renting to students. You will need to pay to heat the apartment, buy food and toilet paper, etc. I know a lot of kids who compare a 9 month dorm experience to 9 months of apartment living and decide the apartment is MUCH cheaper… and then those 3 months come roaring back.

Transportation- car or no car? Health Insurance?

Just make sure you’ve been comprehensive in your budgeting.

I know a lot of adults who started their careers as teachers and now do other things- ed policy, ed law, working for foundations which fund education reform pilot programs in big cities, head up government relations for large publishing companies, lead sales teams for tech companies which sell software to school systems, etc. The big takeaway from them is that you need to get the best and most comprehensive education that you can get. You may think you’re going to spend your life teaching language arts to third graders- but the first time your principal calls you in to a meeting to tell you that you are being sponsored for a fellowship to get fast-tracked for an administrative role at the district level, or when you are meeting with your congressperson to discuss funding cuts, you will be extremely glad you didn’t spend your entire college career focused on just the classroom management/pedagogy piece of becoming an educator.

just something to consider.

12

FWIW, in the English dept of my D’s suburban Boston public high school, many of the English teachers went to prestigious colleges. Most people say it doesn’t matter where you go. I’m really not so sure that English department heads don’t care.

13

If you know the state where you want to work, that is where you should get your teaching coursework - either as part of an undergrad program, or as an MAT/MS Ed after college.

You will be cheaper for a school district to hire if they can take you on with only a Bachelors degree, so that can make a difference at hiring time.

14

First of all, you are not crazy for wanting to transfer to save money. It is a valid concern, but should be judged in its entirety. You say you are not “cut out” for dorm living. But at Northeastern, most dorms after freshman year are apartment style or suite style. Many are gorgeous. The nicest apartment style do cost more, so you would have to weigh your options. Some have choice of single room in multi room apt or shared bedroom in the apartment. After sophomore year, many students move off campus to save more money. With so many students moving off/on campus for coops it is often possible to find apartments without having to buy furniture or sign a 12 month lease. My D found subletters for her apt (twice) and this fall did not renew her lease and is subletting a furnished room in her friends apt for under $1000/month walking distance to campus.

Many (? most) state require a master’s degree for teaching anyway. My D’s best friend was an ed major at NEU. Not sure what her degree was in, but she obtained a teaching job in New York City that she loves and is teaching yoga part time well, so getting paid for her passion. NEU is fairly generous in accepting AP/dual enrollment credits, so it is possible as you said to complete undergrad early. If you are prudent in your coop position (look where you live or can stay with extended family) it may be possible to bank a significant amount of coop money toward tuition expenses.

Lastly, are you in the honors program? That may help with increasing rigor, and you can petition for entrance based on your performance freshman year. Also, taking upper division classes will also get more challenging.

Best wishes.

15

Note that the OP is interested in teaching in the Midwest. Northeastern may have a good reputation in its region but is an unknown elsewhere, therefore not an advantage.

You need to realize each state will have some specific requirements for the teaching license. This usually will concern a class in state specific knowledge- not likely offered OOS. You need to figure this in your desire to change states.

I would save the money and go to a more affordable school that offers the degree, including the needed practicums/student teaching. You can then decide which specific masters in teaching you desire later. Many masters programs fit in well with teaching careers.

You did well to leave home for your freshman year- irreplaceable. Choosing to transfer makes a lot of sense. You will also get to teach sooner and determine if teaching is really your path sooner.

16

Thank you to all - I know I haven’t responded recently, but I’m trying to spend a lot of time working through exactly how much I would save, teaching requirements in my state, program of study, etc. This is going to be a bit of rambling, but I’ll try and answer some questions.

I think I do want to teach in the Midwest, not the NE, and like @wis75 said, Northeastern has virtually 0 name recognition there, although that may change with the current rankings push here.

I’ve talked to a few of my former teachers as well as family members who have taught in my state, and it seems like the better option there is to get just the BA first, then go for a MA later (cheaper for hiring purposes). It also appears as though the “prestige” of the degree doesn’t matter so much there, either.

On a different level, I’m starting to realize that yes, I love English, but I love teaching English more than studying it from thousand different scholarly angles. I really do think that an education major specializing in English would be a better fit than a pure English major.

@bhmomma It’s great to hear a success story in education from NEU, but unfortunately, they completely dropped their education program last year. There’s only one undergrad education class now, and while I could get a co-op placement in an education setting, I think I’d rather just go the more straightforward education major path. Also, yes I am in the honors program. Thank you for the advice on housing, that’s certainly something to consider.

I’m having an absolutely amazing year so far, and I think it was a great decision to go far away for my first year. I’m really having the whole college experience. But beyond wanting that, I just can’t see a reason to justify paying what I am.

For those asking about financial specifics (@blossom and @suzyQ7 I think) I’m working on hammering that out. Obviously, that’s the biggest factor here. I’m paying about $25k per year at NEU plus any extra travel expenses. That’s just about all of my budget. I wish the financial aid office would be more helpful, but I’ve been trying to appeal my aid package since April (on the basis of a $30k drop in custodial parent income) and they have been almost completely non-responsive, even in person.

All of those making points about taking incredibly specialized courses - that’s something I am of course looking at. I obviously don’t want to limit future career prospects, but I do think that I want to get a teaching-focused degree. Later, as I’m required to get my MA at some point, I can get it in a specific field of study in education or whatever is most appropriate.

Finally, I’ve also learned to be pretty flexible in life so far, as cliche as I know that sounds. I find things just work out a lot better when you go with the flow, and I’m not afraid to take a wrong turn at some point - I know I will eventually . It’s just incredibly helpful to hear all of this great advice - to minimize those wrong turns.

17

I am impressed with your maturity and your reflection.

As someone who works in education, I am surprised by all of the previous posters who say that a Masters is required for education. I am in the Mid Atlantic in an educated and high income area (not teachers!) and our districts do not require, nor do they regularly hire, teachers with masters degrees. The school districts would rather hire cheap and train --statistically so many teachers leave the profession in the first 5 years they want to hire at the lowest possible cost to taxpayers. Around here if you are a solid teacher then you go on to get your master’s while you are getting experience and have your own classroom. Masters degrees without practical classroom experience are not viewed highly.

I payed too much for my degree long agon and envy those teachers who went to our state directional and recieved a good education for a small fraction of what my parents paid for me. Education is not a high paying career and the burn out rate is high. I know many prospective teachers who never find jobs, others who are disillusioned and leave after a few years – the less debt you have the better. If you know that is your calling, I would get the degree and certifications as inexpensively as possible. If you want to return to the Midwest - do your student teaching and practicums in the Midwest – schools hire the teachers they can “try out” and see day in and day out - prestige doesn’t carry any weight around here.It can be a negative if the administration thinks you are using your classroom as a stepping stone to your next position. YMMV but these are my observations from over 2 dozen years on the front lines. FWIW I currently I work with hiring support and new teacher induction in our county.

If you want to live and work in Boston, stay at your school. You will be better positioned to get your foot in the door at a regional school district. If you are not sure that teaching is for you, I would hold off a bit on the change.

18

Northeastern at one time had a full College of Education with a large undergrad enrolment. This has morphed into the current Graduate School of Education. Many private and some public universities have one the same, including UMass Boston. It was felt in academia that undergrad education majors were getting too many “methods” courses and not enough content courses in their field.

19

However, that is not the thinking in most other places. Teachers are needed and a BA/BS degree is enough for starting out. Some school districts may have expectations for a masters in x years (or continuing education requirements for licensure). It can be different in Boston but other areas do not make students pay for extra years of schooling to be able to teach. Who knows- perhaps the teacher curriculum is different enough that the bachelor’s degree works. The needs of elementary education teachers are different than those of HS teachers, licensure reflects this.

20

You aren’t crazy for wanting to transfer to save money. I suspect there are many freshman who find themselves in this position every year. They, and their families, believe they can afford a certain school, but when going through it in reality it is a stretch, then they regroup and transfer to a more affordable option.