Hi, everyone. I was accepted to both AU and Boston University, and I’m having trouble making a decision.
I was accepted into the honors program at AU, and although I didn’t get into Kilachand (the honors program at BU), BU gave me a larger financial aid package–but with more loans involved. I believe BU is a better school academically, but American’s location for my major (political science) would be beneficial to me for internships and such.
I lived on the campus of American for a week last summer during a conference, and I really liked it. I haven’t visited BU yet, but I’m attending a overnight stay program in April, which I think will give me a pretty good feel for the campus. School size is not a factor, but I prefer a more urban setting.
Can anyone shed some light on my dilemma? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. If anyone has any questions that would help them get a better idea of my situation, feel free to ask.
My Son is deciding b/w American and Northeastern. If you like AU’s campus, you may not like BU much since there really isn’t a campus, it’s integrated into the city. But it is definitely urban. There would be more opportunities to be involved in the DC scene for poll sci at AU, obviously, so that’s a huge plus. For us, we like the size and campus setting of AU, with it being only 10 mins away from all the action in DC via Metro. Since I don’t know your family’s finances, I won’t speculate on how difficult or not it would be to attend either university, but since you want to major in one of AU’s specialties, I can’t imagine it’s worth going into significant debt to go to BU over AU, nor is it worth spending significantly more unless finances are irrelevant and you fall in love with BU.
@Cameron121 If I were to go to American, it would cost around 15k, but for Boston, it would cost around 6-9k. My parents make 80k this year, but next year it’ll be around 60k. So I received significant financial aid from both colleges–BU just gave me more.
I’m having trouble deciding if going to BU would be worth it financially, because of my major and its employment rates. AU may be a better location for that. How well would I be able to pay off my loans? That’s probably the most significant question for me at this point.
I’m not a fan of kids saddling themselves with debt, especially when they are not going to wall street or the technology world where there are high paying jobs. That said, only you and your parents can decide if you can afford the extra annual payment to attend AU. If AU lets you graduate debt free, and is stronger in your area of study, you will be in better shape IMO. However, I can’t speak to what sacrifices have to be made to make the difference in payments. Your other option is to go back to American and appeal your financial aid to see if they can give more. It happens all of the time, and while I have no idea if you have a chance of being successful, the old adage rings true: you don’t get what you don’t ask for. AU may relish stealing away a candidate from BU, and throw more on the table. Plus, if you had to graduate with some debt, better to graduate from the school with the better connections to your field of study.
@Cameron121 I appreciate your insight! I think I’m going to take up your suggestion and appeal to AU to see if I can get some more financial aid. If I can, then AU will be looking like a better prospect for career connections. Thank you. 