Our son was accepted to MSU for fall. He is beyond excited as it was one of his top two choices. He was also accepted to Grand Valley State and Western Michigan. We are OOS so would like to hear thoughts on the key differences among these universities. MSU is twice the price so we are trying to make a rational choice. Thanks!
Does he know what he is going into? MSU and Grand Valley are both excellent. Even though his father and I went to MSU our son chose Grand Valley. Very well funded school. Great dorms. Smaller classes.
Thanks for response! He is meeting with GVSU and MSU later in the month to confirm they can offer his program and an option for accelerated graduate degree (masters in five). He is interested in Child Life. We know Western has a strong program so it remains on the list. Love the vibe at GVSU and MSU too. MSU is TWICE the price as the others. What do you know about each university’s alumni network?
Michigan State Alumni is going to be larger evidently. All schools will have alumni willing to help. Don’t go into debt for college if you have other offers that financially make more sense. Grand Valley is like the new “it” school but might not be a match for your son’s interests. Good that he is going and talking with them. I suggest taking with the department heads/professors. Forget talking to admissions.
Here’s the harsh reality. Going out of state is 2-3 times the cost of going in-state. The maximum he can borrow is 27k for an undergraduate degree. The gap has to either be financed by parents or passed off to him in the form of co-signed loans. The co-signed route is a very bad idea for a few reasons. First, it’s only a bachelors degree, even at a prestigious school, it’s still only a bachelors degree. Second, high student debt payments vs a non-lucrative entry-level job can sabotage or even kill a new career. Third, those are co-signed loans. If he can’t make his payments, the collection agencies will seize your assets. Unless you can pay for it, I recommend against MSU.
Some might argue that, even though GVSU and Western are nice schools, Michigan State is worth the added cost in terms of academics, reputation, facilities, alumni connections, etc., etc. But it’s a personal decision for each family, of course.