Hey there. So in less than 2 months, I’m expected to commit to a university. I live in NJ, so Rutgers offers in-state tuition. However, University of Delaware is basically my #1. As of right now, Rutgers is $25K for me and UD is $30K. Other possible options are UMass, TCNJ, UMD, and West Chester - but really it’s down to Rutgers or UD.
I’m honestly not all that into Rutgers because of the size/city (New Brunswick). Does anyone have any input on either schools? Money, college life, environment, anything? If $30K is worth it?
What major? That could potentially impact opinions. I know, for example, Delaware is highly regarded for engineering.
If you can afford 20k more for Delaware over the course of 4 years (5k per year) and you like it more, then my opinion would be to go to Delaware.
When I made my own college choice years ago, I could have gone to a cheaper but still perfectly fine college or work all year (2 jobs in the summers) to pay some extra for the college that I fell in love with when I visited. I picked the one I fell in love with and I still think it’s the most beautiful and friendliest place I’ve ever lived. 20+ years later and I don’t regret that decision for a minute. BUT if I hadn’t only had to take out minimum loans that I could pay off within the first couple years of graduating, I might have regrets over my going with the pricier option.
@mom2twogirls I’m not positive of a major - but definitely not engineering. My original thought was psychology. I also have a passion for music. Thank you for the advice! I really am not completely sure about what loans I’ll be able to afford, considering I’m only 17. That’s what I’m most nervous about.
If Delaware means taking out loans beyond Stafford, I don’t think it’s worth it. Especially for psychology, which can be a tricky degree to plan on basing a lucrative career with unless you also go to grad school (which costs more as well).