CPP vs SDSU vs OSU

College Search & Selection
1

So I’m planning on studying Kinesiology with the intent of either going into grad school to become a physical therapist or an assistant PT.

I’m between Cal Poly Pomona, San Diego State U, and Oregon State U. The tuition is looking to be CPP ~ 21k, SDSU ~ 22k, and OSU ~ 30-33k (still waiting for the last of the financial aid to come in but this is around the range). As of right now I love everything about OSU, except the price is 10k more than my other options. I love the location, people, weather, and overall campus. While at SDSU, the campus is pretty nice, but I don’t think I would fit well with the people there, and as it is known to be a party school. And I’ve lived through SoCal weather my entire life. At CPP, my older brother has finished the same program that I have gotten into, but he felt like it did not prepare him enough. So he switched to become a nurse.

Is it worth it to take on 10k more in tuition?

2

From your note it looks like you should remove CPP from consideration since you know from first-hand experience in your family that the program may not be right for you. Since you frame the question strictly in financial terms about the $10K, then consider whether that will mean an extra $10K in loans per year, which will put you $40K in debt upon graduation. I think the payments on a 10-year plan would be $450 a month, but there are some calculators online where you can check. So ask yourself whether you want to be making that payment for 10 years. A lot of people would advise against that and just say take the cheaper option, but I believe only you can make that decision – just know going in that you’re getting yourself into debt and it might not be the greatest thing if you are thinking about grad school.