Debt and Grad School / Choosing Undergrad

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Well, I've got it down to two. Im deciding between The University of Chicago and The University of Maryland. I want to go for my PhD in math after college.</p>

<p>At Chicago, my parents would have to pay about $20,000 per year, and myself $25000 over four years with working. At UMD, I get paid $3000 per year to attend.</p>

<p>I have a couple of specific questions. Is it worth the debt at Chicago to get into a top grad school? At Maryland, I can get my Masters Degree after four years. How valuable is this? I love chicago, but I'm just not sure. I've also been accepted to JHU and Cornell with a simialr aid package as Chicago's. Thanks for any input!!!</p>

2

<p>Based on what you've said, I would pick UMD - no debt AND a master's. But what do you think of each of the campuses?</p>

3

<p>I like chicago's more.</p>

4

<p>lol.. get your PHd at Chicago...</p>

5

<p>Im worried that theres a chance I wont get into the graduate programs I want to. How competetive are they?</p>

6

<p>You will have a much better chance of getting into a top grad school if you go to U of Chicago. I f you want to go into academics, a master's degree is not worth much, you need a PhD.</p>

7

<p>But don't grad schools cost lots of money? I dont have the money to pay for expensive undergrad and grad.</p>

8

<p>Often the top graduate schools will pay you to attend.</p>

9

<p>Phoenix, that is true; however, that is becoming rarer and rarer due to cost... alot of the PhD programs are only doing partial waivers of tuition now.</p>

<p>I would still go with UMD though because according to research (I can't think of the author's name...sorry) your undergraduate institution is only "slightly" important when making a grad admissions decision--this places it well below letters of recommendation, your interactions with grad school staff and students (while visiting as well as your calls for information, etc.), grades/GPA (which are surprisingly less important in grad admissions), GRE scores, your undergrad major and courses taken, research experience, practical/applied experience, etc.</p>

10

<p>I say Cornell or Maryland..Maryland..a masters in four years? That is excellent, with 3000 to attend...man...go there!!</p>