Brigham Young University or University of Colorado Denver!!!!! Help please!?

<p>So here it goes, I applied to BYU thinking I wouldn't get in because 1.) I'm not Mormon 2.) my grade weren't super but alright (3.7 gpa). But I got accepted! and I got accepted to CU Denver! Now I got to pick between the two. I was planing to study elementary education at CU Denver and as for BYU either elementary education or animation, since I hear they have a good animation program. I originally wanted to go into animation, but I heard it's a tough field to get into, so becoming a teacher is my next favorite thing (actually I would do both if I could, but that cost more...). Also CU Denver is about 30 minutes away from home, so I could commute (if paying for dorm ever gets too expensive, my family not rich since my mother is single and works a minimum wage job.) However BYU has ofter me the chance to apply to one their scholarships. Overall BYU cost $22,000 (for non-Mormons on campus) and UCD $24,000 for on campus & about $11,000 if I stay home. But money not a super big issue, well it is, but if BYU is the better school, then I'll do my best to pay for it, whether means grants, loans, financial aid, or getting a job.</p>

<p>Question:
1.)Overall which school would you say is better? for me?
2.)Is BYU a good school to study elementary education or should I go to UCD?
3.) How would non-Mormon fit in? I mean I got Mormon friends and I never really gave much thought, but this is a religious school where the non-Mormon population is about 2%. I'm really good kid, but I do like rock music, will I have give up anything? Other than tea or coffee, which I don't like any ways.</p>

<p>Thank you for reading.</p>

<p>Rumor has it that non-Mormons at BYU often find it difficult to live with the heavy religious emphasis of the university which pervades all aspects of classroom and social life. </p>

<p>If you are serious about elementary education, you should complete your degree in the state where you want to teach. That way you will be certain that you meet all of the certification requirements of that state, and it will be easier for you to do your student teaching in a school district in the state where you hope to begin your career.</p>

<p>Do sit down with your parents, and talk about the money issue. $11,000 difference each year between BYU and commuting at CU Denver is more than you can borrow without a cosigner, and would be very difficult to come with alone.</p>

<p>Well I’m planing move out my state (I don’t like here much and I really want move to a state near the ocean) or teach aboard for while. Since I been studying Chinese for about 4 years and plan to keep doing so in college, I figured I could teach English in China or be a teacher assistant in China. As for paying for it, that is a huge concern, but I figured if financial aid help out (my EFC is 0), and I could get part time job and I got about $5000 in government grants and if I can get a scholarship, I would be alright? I think I’ll talk to my counselor, but she a little idealistic…more than me</p>

<p>For solid advice on money issues, you should spend some time in the financial aid forum.</p>

<p>With an EFC of 0, you qualify for a full Pell Grant of $5,550 and you can take out a federal loan for $5,500 your freshman year. At UC Denver that would cover the cost as a commuting student. A part-time job would cover your books, and maybe your transportation. If your parents are willing to feed and house you for free, then everything is good. BYU would only work if you could get the difference in some kind of scholarship from them.</p>

<p>You have to make a lifestyle commitment as well as an academic commitment to attend BYU. I would think if you are not a Mormon, it might be difficult. Definitely visit and ask a lot of questions about lifestyle if you are considering BYU. Look at this page from the website .
<a href=“http://saas.byu.edu/catalog/2011-2012ucat/GeneralInfo/HonorCode.php#HCOfficeInvovement[/url]”>http://saas.byu.edu/catalog/2011-2012ucat/GeneralInfo/HonorCode.php#HCOfficeInvovement&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;