Deciding Between MSU & U of M

College Search & Selection
1

I’m trying to decide where I want to go to college, and I’m in between MSU and U of M. I live in Michigan so out of state tuition isn’t a problem for me. U of M has been my top choice for a few years, but I’ve also been interested in MSU recently and was pretty impressed by the school. One big draw to MSU is the fact that they offered me a full ride…the thought of paying nothing to go to college is really appealing. If I go to MSU I will major in hospitality business, which I know is a really good program. If I go to Michigan I will most likely major in English, which is also a great program. I’ve also been accepted into the honors college at MSU. I haven’t gotten a financial aid package back from U of M yet.

My dad went to MSU and had a good time there, but he didn’t really have a strong opinion about going to college. I, on the other hand, have been looking forward to going to college since I was like 10 so where I go is very important to me. I’m a little worried that MSU is too much of a party school and that the academics and reputation aren’t as good as U of M’s, but I also don’t want to regret graduating with debt at U of M just for the “reputation.” If any of you have gone, go, or know a lot about either school it would be great to get your opinion.

2

How much debt, it seems you don’t know yet, so too early for anyone to give you advise. But some questions, what will you do with the English degree? Will you go to graduate school then, or do you want to try to take classes at Ross, the business college at Michigan? Can you take business classes or double major in economics at Michigan to give yourself a career path? If you want to work in hotel management and hospitality, Michigan State sounds more promising.

3

OP,

There’s another very current thread where that OP is your exact situation: MSU Honors or UM. I’ve posted there as well, essentially saying that from a strictly educational perspective (for undergrad!), I don’t see that much difference between one flagship and another. Others, of course, have posted their opinions. Check it out! http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/discussion/comment/22061406#Comment_22061406

That said, a full ride is difficult to turn down. My advice? Go Sparty!