At this time, I have to choose what school I want to go to in the fall and I’ve narrowed it down to Dickinson and George Mason. I want to go to Dickinson, and while I got some scholarship money, it’s still going to be a bit pricey for me and I will have to take out student loans. On the other hand, George Mason is in-state tuition for me and it’s about $15,000 cheaper a year but I did not like the school as much and I think the size is a bit overwhelming. I’m not sure if the education at Dickinson is worth going into debt, but I really love the school and I want to go there. Thoughts?
How much debt are you talking about if you go to Dickinson? George Mason is going to be $60,000 cheaper. That’s a lot of money.
Do you mean that you’ll have to take the federal se tient loans (5.5k fr freshman year) or do you mean other loans on top of those?
I would have to take out loans on top of the regular federal ones. My parents are willing to pay for what an in-state school would cost, so about $30,000, but after that I have to pay for it myself.
I would have to take loans out for the difference of Dickinson and George Mason.
Can you list your exact budget and get the net cost is at each?
What’s your potential major?
What is your intended major? Generally, I’d advise $60k is too much debt to take on. That is true in the vast majority of cases. It might make sense for a student who has demonstrated ability and a great work ethic and who is planning to go into a high-paying field, like engineering, and is buying up to a school with a great track record in terms of employment and grad school. But in general that’s a lot of debt for a young person starting their career and can be a big constraint for a long period. It’s equal to two nice, new cars for the difference between two quality schools.
But here are some things to think about,
Does that $15k per year number include housing, food, etc.? If that does include everything, what if you came up with a viable plan to contribute to your own education costs, without borrowing so much? It is much harder today for a student to contribute a significant % of their educational costs because costs have risen so high.
If you work 10 hours a week for, say, 30 weeks of the school year, that’s approximately $3k. Do you think you could make another $2-3k over the summer? Would you willing to be an RA? Do you have the kind of personality that would make it likely the school would hire you and would make that work for you? Maybe you could check to see what Dickinson offers RAs. It may be full housing, and sometimes also includes a stipend. By the way, I’ve read research that 10 hours of work per week actually results in better grades. At least students who work about that much do better than students who do not work, or who work more hours.
If you could cut that $60k number in half, it’s more likely that borrowing money for Dickinson would make sense in the end–not that it would certainly make sense (for example if you want to study something that does not pay much out of school), just that it is more possible. Again, depending on you, your work ethic, your purpose, your interests, your willingness and ability to work during the school year and summer, etc.
You might also contact Dickinson and let them know the situation–you really want to go–you love the school–but it’s not financially feasible. Is there any way they can find more aid for you? They may very well stick with their number, but, in your case, it can’t really hurt to ask. Be positive, be passionate, express your willingness to work for it (if that’s the case). Try to win them over. Make them want to go to bat for you.
I love Dickinson but also know GMU very well. I’ve taken grad classes in two departments there. They really have some outstanding programs. It used to be a commuter school, but now has a large residential population. It’s really a good option. Good luck!
I would definitely go the loan route. Surprised nobody mentioned this but student loan debt is at un-sustainable levels and if we are fortunate to get another forward thinking President you can rest assured those debts will be wiped away. Go for it!!!
@TTG I want to study political science but I also have been dancing for 10 years (mostly ballet) and want to continue that. The $15k does include housing, food, etc. I am planning on getting a summer job at home and am talking to someone at Dickinson about an on-campus job starting in the fall. I have also looked into being an RA. They offer housing and a stipend, so that’s good. Dickinson has been very generous and they gave me $25,500 a year through the Trustee’s scholarship, Founder’s scholarship, and just money from the school. I am planning on talking to Dickinson again and asking about the financial situation. I know I could make GMU work, but the amount of students they have is overwhelming to me, but I know it would not be the worst situation. Thank you for your input!
Great attitude, great effort and execution. I hope you can make it happen with Dickinson. If not, it also sounds like you’ll have a great attitude and you’ll be successful at GMU.
If you want more financial aid, you must highlight something from 2017 that wasn’t apparent in your parents 2016 tax returns.