Deciding: UConn or University at Buffalo

College Search & Selection
1

I got accepted into UConn and UB and I’m having a hard time deciding between the two because UConn is my top choice but UB is so much cheaper because i qualify for in state tuition(i live in nyc) and because they accepted accepted me into their EOP program. Also UConn put me into ACES and UB put me into mechanical engineering, which is what i want to major in. UConn’s COA is 51k, UB’s COA is 25k. UConn is offering me 51k, 23k of that is grants. UB is offering me 20k, 14k of that is grants. I’m leaning more towards UB because its a lot cheaper and I think they rank higher in engineering than UConn does. However, the cold isn’t my most favorite thing ever, so UConn’s location would be a lot better. UConn also doesnt require me to start school in July, and there are many opportunities there. I’m just looking for some other perspectives on my situation and anything that can help me make a solid decision.
my EFC is also around 0.

2

Nope. Not financially sound to accept the UConnecticut offer over SUNY Buffalo. Specifically, all that matters in engineering is ABET accreditation. Both schools’s departments enjoy ABET approval. So, choose based on fit, but don’t spend yourself into tremendous debt because of “fit.”

By the way, you know that it snows in Storrs, CT, right? C’mon, you knew about the climate in Buffalo and Storrs when you applied.

3

The purpose of college is to learn a trade, do it well, and to help find a job in that trade. If buffalo is ranked higher and it’s cheaper, then you should really suck it up with the weather. It’s a party school anyways so that makes up for it.

4

Buffalo:

  1. The major cost benefit.

  2. The engineering program makes USNWR’s list of “Top [Engineering] Programs.” You have been accepted into mechanical engineering, your goal major.

  3. The City is known for its snow more so than for extreme cold. Buffalo’s proximity to two Great Lakes helps moderate its temperatures for much of the year.

Connecticut:

I wouldn’t make a case against Conn if you truly think you would be much happier there, but the objective benefits are less apparent.

Good luck!