Are Ivy Leagues for Undergrad Worth It?

[bmonticello23]

<p>Initially I wanted to go to an Ivy or elite school right out of high school for biomedical engineering (if I could get in of course), but I feel right now that it would be better financially if I just went to one for grad school? What are your thoughts?</p>

[Ivyt]

<p>Depends on your financial situation, other options (schools), your intended major, and career path.</p>

[RCS1028]

<p>I personally don’t think so. If you are planning to go to grad school at some point, I think it’s more important that you go to a good school for that. Unless you’re offered a huge scholarship and/or a large amount of financial aid, I don’t think it’s worth it. I say go to a more affordable school now, keep your grades up, and then go to an Ivy League school, if that’s your eventual goal.</p>

[bmonticello23]

<p>@RCS thanks! </p>

<p>@bark well i can afford it but my parents wont shell out the dough. so i was wondering if it was even worth it</p>

[collegehelp]

<p>Yes, its worth it. You won’t know how much it will cost relative to your other options until you get your financial aid offer. The application might cost about $100. It makes no sense to rule out schools for financial reasons because you are not sure yet of the ultimate cost. Furthermore, work-study and assistantships can further reduce costs after accepting admission.</p>

[sally305]

<p>There have been many, many threads on this subject…</p>

[beyphy]

<p>Studies have shown that, unless you’re low SES, or a URM, you won’t get many advantages from attending elite schools. If attending an Ivy would put you in excess debt, i’d just attend a cheaper option and go to one for grad. school.</p>

<p>Other good universities for BME might include Duke, JHU, and (if you’re Californian) UCSD.</p>

[bmonticello23]

<p>@bephy thanks for the tip!</p>

<p>@sally could you link me to a thread then? or PM it to me if thats illegal lol</p>

[beyphy]

<p>I actually posted a very relevant article in the Parents forum on CC a while back. It echoes my earlier point in much better detail.</p>

<p>[The</a> End of the Ivy League As We Know It? - Yahoo! Finance](<a href=“The End of the Ivy League As We Know It?”>The End of the Ivy League As We Know It?)</p>

[bluebayou]

<p>

Studies have shown that, unless you’re low SES…you won’t get many advantages from attending elite schools.

</p>

<p>Dunno about the “studies” but the fact is, for many/most individuals, attending an Ivy – with extremely generous need-based aid, can be less expensive than an instate public. That is particularly true for California residents, since UC’s are at mid-$30’s, and climbing. Of course, other states offer very low cost instate options.</p>

[beyphy]

<p>

Dunno about the “studies” but the fact is, for many/most individuals, attending an Ivy – with extremely generous need-based aid, can be less expensive than an instate public. That is particularly true for California residents, since UC’s are at mid-$30’s, and climbing. Of course, other states offer very low cost instate options.

</p>

<p><em>searches Google bookmarks</em></p>

<p>

As with the earlier study, there were some students who did fare better financially if they attended elite schools. The students who fell into this category were Latino, black, and low-income students, as well as those whose parents did not graduate from college.</p>

<p>In an E-mail, the researchers explained these exceptions: "While most students who apply to selective colleges may be able to rely on their families and friends to provide job-networking opportunities, networking opportunities that become available from attending a selective college may be particularly valuable for black and Hispanic students and for students who come from families with a lower level of parental education."

</p>

<p>[The</a> Ivy League Earnings Myth - The College Solution (usnews.com)](<a href=“http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/the-college-solution/2011/03/01/the-ivy-league-earnings-myth]The”>http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/the-college-solution/2011/03/01/the-ivy-league-earnings-myth)</p>

<p>I have nothing against the Ivy league. Their education is among the finest in the U.S. to some of our country’s most promising students. Obviously, if an Ivy is cheaper than one’s state school, it’s a bargain. But there are a number of students who post on here considering taking on massive amounts of debt based on false beliefs about the value of an Ivy-league degree.</p>

<p>As far as UofC is concerned, the recently passed California budget allocates for middle-class scholarships, which can pay anywhere from 10-40% of tuition for families making <150k annually; and the UC stated that they won’t be increasing tuition this year. With any luck, both of those will help mitigate the fee increases these past years.</p>

[prowlings]

<p>I think it really depends on what is most important to you. I think that the ivies don’t NECESSARILY offer a better education, but you will be surrounded by really hardworking, inspirational, and intelligent peers. You will be able to build connections (not sure how much that would help for BME). It’s just a different experience from a state school.</p>

<p>Academically-wise, I don’t doubt that a state university is going to be any worse than an ivy.</p>

[Coste]

<p>You say that you can afford it but your parents are unwilling to pay? How can you afford it then, do you have money in your name separately?</p>

<p>If you are planning on going to graduate school, do not go into drastic debt for undergrad. Many people go to a school that fits them for undergrad, get good grades, and participate and leadership roles. This will help you in applying to a prestigious graduate program.</p>

<p>Do not take massive debt! Thats the key. If you can afford it without borrowing, take it!</p>