<p>Any opinions on this. I have been accepted to the University of Alabama on a full scholarship- tuition, fees, board, plus a nice stipend. I have also been admitted to Chapel Hill, no invite to scholarship day. I am pretty sure I am out of the need based aid category so unless I get some last minute merit from UNC, its full cost.</p>
<p>I want to study Business. UNC obviously has a superior program, however Alabama has a decent one. Both schools still have a great atmosphere- sports, partying, etc., im just worried about prestige and what people think when they hear alabama (for job purposes).</p>
<p>I would prefer Chapel Hill, no doubt. Im sure my parents want me to do as I please. But if I do go to Bama, they promise to finance my MBA down the line. </p>
<p>What should I do!? Will my undergrad from UA be a big enough difference in the business world from UNC to fork out the $30k a year for the better name?</p>
<p>any input would be much appreciated</p>
<p>First congrats on the scholarship at Alabama! Have you visited both campuses? Can you see yourself at one more than the other?</p>
<p>Can you go back to UNC and let them know you have a full ride at UA? </p>
<p>All other things being equal (yeah, I know), I wouldn't spend that much $$ on undergrad knowing you want to go to MBA school.</p>
<p>Are you a University Fellow at Alabama? If so, your Alabama transcript will be very impressive with both the Honors College & University Fellows designations. Is the maximum stipend still $7,000 a year for University Fellows? And the minimum $2,000? Thanks!</p>
<p>Are you a resident of North Carolina for tuition purposes?</p>
<p>Consider Alabama for the first year & if it doesn't seem like a great fit & an outstanding opportunity, then transferring may be an option.</p>
<p>Collegeboy422, my son finds himself in the same position as you -- NM finalist status will give him tuition, room and board, the stipend, etc. He is seriously considering this, because, in my home, money does not grow on trees. </p>
<p>One of my fellow teachers, whose daughter recently graduated from one of the service academies, made an interesting point. If you need to borrow lots of money to get an undergrad education, you probably will need immediate employment following college to start paying back those loans. And what happens if you need further education to reach your employment goal? </p>
<p>My son will wait until he hears from all his schools before making a final decision. Seek some wise counsel from your teachers, guidance people and of course, parents. Weigh all the options, and then make a decision.</p>
<p>A scholarship is a terrible thing to pass on. CBA at UA is pretty strong, in my opinion.</p>
<p>The business school has an excellent reputation. Would you also be in Honors, that would be a plus too. If you don't like it, you can always transfer. The University is really trying to attact "the best and brightest". They offer some excellent programs.</p>
<p>My daughter was in a similar situation 2 years ago. She had a 3/4 tuition ride to Vandy versus a full ride (tuition, housing, stipend) to Bama. Cost to Vandy would still have been several thousand per year. My spouse and I left the decision completely up to her. She evaluated all the pros and cons and chose Bama. It probably helped that she felt very wanted by UA and was left feeling less than excited following the Vandy visit. While at Bama she has been to France to study abroad, is very active on campus and in the community, has lots of contact with professors, and has opportunities for undergraduate research. Best of all, she is banking $$ for graduate school and she believes the education she is receiving will qualify her to gain acceptance at practically any grad school she chooses. It's sometimes hard to get past the "name brand" or "top tier" school name and consider that one can get an excellent education at select state universities. Alabama is rapidly moving up the list of quality schools.</p>
<p>I (my son) can echo samanthawho's experience. </p>
<p>My son had great offers from at least 6 other top tier schools last year. He was awarded the John Emory Scholarship from Emory, 2/3's tuition at Davidson, $$$ Case, $$ Chicago, $$ Carnegie and $$ Vandy. Since we did not qualify for any need based aid, out out of pocket costs would have been between $10k to $25K per year. As samanthawho did, we left the choice up to our son. </p>
<p>Prior to his visit in March of his senior year, he NEVER thought he would attend Bama! There is something to be said about following your heart. He has been embraced by the University's community (staff,professors,coaches and more). Why?..............
Because the University is unashamed to admit they want top scholars. They are committed to provide the resources to the Best and the Brightest. THEY took notice of my son's interest and made certain he was offered a spot in the CBHP long after the deadline had past. </p>
<p>Sure, having a diploma from a top tier school will get your foot in the door for a few more interviews. However, at the end of the day the person that gets the job is more often selected for what they can give back to employer - regardless of where they completed their undergraduate degree. (IMO-selection of school for your graduate degree(s) is far more important than your first degree.)</p>
<p>What she said :)</p>
<p>My daughter never ever thought she would go to Bama either! She was very much a snob when it came to looking at colleges. We visited colleges all around, up and down. Only the fantastic offer from Bama plus the chance at University Fellows caused her to consider Bama.</p>
<p>I think the OP is going to UNC, he said so on the UNC board. </p>
<p>Would have been a tough choice, especially since he was in-state for UNC(not sure if he was)</p>
<p>You say you know you will get an MBA so your undergrad school won't matter that much. Prestige can go a long way but I'd much rather graduate debt-free. I am an engineering major and passed up partial Ga Tech scholarship for full ride to UA. UA has no where near the reputation for engineering that ga tech does but I've seen plenty of UA engineering graduates receive great job offers. UA's business program is really strong and they have strong alumni support as well. Being on a full ride will go a long way when you want to go on spring break trips. All the money you save up or make is play money!</p>
<p>I am currently in the same situation as the OP, and planning on visiting Bama shortly. But I was hoping someone would describe the atmosphere there - UNC is very academically driven. Is Alabama similar? Is it all about Greek life and parties? I like to go out but I'm not exactly a social butterfly, and I don't know anyone else going there. I don't particularly plan on rushing either. Thanks for any input!</p>