I have been admitted into both Boston U and UPitt. I have no idea what I want to do, but I am planning on majoring in political science. I currently reside in Pittsburgh, so the costs at Pitt are cheaper and I would be able to graduate debt free. However, Boston is my preference, but I would graduate there owing $80,000 in loans. My question is- is it worth it to go to Boston even with the debt? Is it really a superior school? Or are Pitt and Boston U basically the same academic wise, but in different locations? All opinions are welcome!
Both Pitt and BU are excellent schools, but it makes no sense to go to BU if you will graduate with $80K in debt. I consider them on equal footing academically, though I do not know the relative strengths of their respective political science departments. May I ask how you were admitted to BU? My understanding is that the only admissions decisions made thus far by BU have been ED decisions.
PItt is a great school. BU lacks a traditional campus which I’d see as a negative. It too is a great school but if I were in your shoes I’d go for Pitt.
Yes, it was ED 2. My parents are able to pay for some of it, but it is a real stretch for them financially, and they were not aware that we would not get any aid.
i would also go to Pitt. It’s truly an amazing school.
You have been admitted ED2 to BU, but it looks to be financially unfeasible (most would agree $80K in debt qualifies as financially unfeasible). Unfortunately, BU can be unpredictable with aid, and they do not meet full need. I can completely understand your desire to go to school in Boston - it is a great college city. All of my children love the city. But Pitt is a great school as well, with strong academics, great school spirit and wonderful campus. And if you can graduate with no debt - well, that is the clincher. I think you know what the best decision is.
I would choose Pitt, since being $80,000 in debt is quite a frightening thought.
I would absolutely choose Pitt and avoid starting your life with an onerous amount of debt.
In looking for a statistical difference between the student bodies at these two schools, all I could find was a modest 30 point SAT separation (CR+M). I wouldn’t be inclined to believe the schools themselves differ academically much either.
Go to Pitt to avoid $80K in loans. Stay for the Cathedral of Learning.