Dartmouth v. Uconn Honors

Hi all. May 1st is quickly approaching and I have yet to decide ??

I have been accepted at both Dartmouth and UConn (in the honors program). I was accepted to some other places (UVA, Notre Dame, Vassar) but after getting the Dartmouth acceptance, their higher prices didn’t seem worth it to me when I liked Dartmouth the best and it was cheaper.

My dilemma (albeit one I am very lucky to have) is this:
– Accepted to Dartmouth, pretty affordable for the first 2 years of college (both my siblings in college as well). However, once they leave college, around my junior year, costs would go way up, putting my family’s EFC around $65k. . . This would probably result in graduating college with around $40-50k in debt (not exactly definitive on this number, I need to talk more to my parents to clarify, but this would be my cautious estimate, could be less). My parents have told me that we can make Dartmouth work, but it still seems like a riskier option compared to Uconn.

– In contrast, I have UConn, where I was accepted into the honors program, received some merit, and also qualify for the New England Regional Tuition program. Costs would be around $30k, which would be more doable, and likely leaving college with govt student loan limit of around $27k at most. The regional program would mean I would be guaranteed to have to double major bc of a specific program, which isn’t really an issue for me,

Not entirely set on what I want to study bc these things can change, but I’m leaning towards political science, econ, etc. Curious to explore new subjects. Career-wise, I am also unsure, and would be curious in learning more about business, poli-sci related jobs.
I do genuinely like both schools, have visited multiple times, etc. I will be going back for the Dartmouth admitted students day this coming week, so I suppose my final decision won’t be until then.

I hear a lot that the most important thing is what you do at college when you get there, whether you take advantage of your resources and opportunities, etc. I plan to take advantage of as much as possible when in college; would that make up for any supposed “losses” that would come with going to UConn, the less “prestigious” school.

My overall question is this: is Dartmouth worth the extra money, more debt later on? I know it is an excellent school, and one that quite honestly has been my dream school for a while. Similarly, if I took the more fiscally responsible route and chose UConn, would I be regretting my choice on turning down the Ivy (though name-brand isn’t my biggest personal concern, I know it could be to employers potentially)? I have been very conflicted about this for a couple of weeks now, and would greatly appreciate any advice, knowledge, thoughts, info on the honors program at UConn, etc.

I have no knowledge about UConn. but I am concerned by your your comment that you “would be guaranteed to have to double major bc of a specific program …” How certain are you about your major? I went through three majors [geezer that I am @ Reed '74]; my kid [Dartmouth '13] stuck with one from the start. You could not go wrong with Dartmouth, but the extra debt is an issue unless your parents are clear that it is not. If your aim is grad school, I’m not sure Dartmouth is worth it. If your aim is Wall Street or the like, it might be.

Since you love it and your parents aren’t concerned. Dartmouth. UConn will take you back if you do well and money becomes an issue.

I’m not here to persuade you in either direction, but I would read up on Connecticut’s budget problem and its potential impacts on UConn before making a decision. Good luck!

If you want to double major, Vassar has less distribution requirements which make it easier to do a double major. Check out the exact courses you are interested in at all of the schools before making a decision.

Get this clarification from your parents. Debt greater than federal direct loans would have to be parent loans or student loans cosigned by your parents.