I have been admitted at 2 “elite” universities: Georgetown SFS, and UChicago. But, I’d graduate with around 20k in debt. I could attend UCincinnati on a full ride. I’m just worried about the marketability of an IR degree from a mediocre school in Ohio. Is a “name brand” school worth it for IR?
I’m in love with Georgetown and Princeton, one of which I’ve already been admitted. I’d pay far less than sticker price, but is it worth it to be saddled with 20k in debt after its all said and done?
P.S. Getting into these great schools early gives me hope that I’ll will get into at least one out of HPYS.
Generally, on CC, we advise a max student debt no more than the total of student Direct loans, about 27k total over 4 years. That brings you a basic monthly payment of about $300, for ten years, after grad. For any offer, be sure your 20k is the full bite, that it isn’t on top of student loans.
I think you’ll find many adults who feel Chi, SFS, or P are tops. You could compare course offerings, prof backgrounds, their research and activites, other program opps (internships, etc,) to Cinn’s. Personally, very imo, the chance to be in DC is great, for kids interested in IR.
Basically I’m agreeing with @lookingforward . If $20K is the total for 4 years, then I’d say the investment in the School of Your Dreams is a good one. If it’s $20K per year, then $80K is maybe too much. Please look at the numbers closely before deciding.
Our family’s metric is whether the total debt for 4 years is below $27K (the national average for debt for four years is around $33K so we figure about $27K is a bit of a bargain).
You are well within that range at $20K and I’d say go to whichever suits your tastes more – and CONGRATULATIONS! Those are all great programs. You should be proud.
Georgetown SFS as you know is an elite school in terms of IR and being there will be a big boost in getting your first job as well as internships. Therefore a better job will help you start paying off your school debt more quickly. I would strongly recommend going there over the full ride at U Cincinnati. Good luck.
20k total debt for Georgetown or UChicago I’d take in a heart beat.
Okay, looks like a price of 20k in debt after four years is chump change for schools of the caliber of Georgetown, Chicago an Princeton. I’ll consider this thread when I make my final decision.
^Agreed with the above…I would definitely advise Georgetown, Chicago, or Princeton for $20K total over UCincinnati for free, especially in international relations.
@NikkuWadde But doesn’t the $20k debt also include the mandatory military service that comes with the ROTC scholarship that is funding your costs at Georgetown and Chicago? If so, you need to factor that into your final decision. If not $20k over four years is worth it for you and you should no longer be considering safeties.
Nope. I got 20k in debt without rotc @itsgettingreal17 I’m just looking at rotc cuz I’m just thinking about going into the military (if I took the rotc scholarship, I would have very little to no debt at all, save for military service).
I would not join the military for four years if it is just to save 20k. If you really do want to be in the military, it’s a win win, but don’t do it to save the 20k. 4 years of working in industry would pay off the 20k in no time.
Well, if OP is thinking about military service already and is interested in it - that could be an excellent way to get experience in international relations as well as avoid debt. There are lots of jobs in the military that are focused on public affairs and international relations.
I would take 20k and attend G-Town if it was me personally. UChicago is great too but I just feel like G-Town is a step above it for IR/Polysci
Yeah. I’m probably gonna take Georgetown. That or Princeton (if I get in). But i’d still likely go to Georgetown over Princeton. Unless I got more money.
I mean I think it could go both ways between G-Town and Princeton. GU has better location for internships, job searching, but Princeton IS a slightly more impressive name. I don’t think anybody could fault you for choosing either one of those :).
I just hope GU sounds like a nice experience to you outside of the career aspect!
It’s not about the general prestige of the college, but the actual programs. Both are excellent. Btw, I missed a chance to say, Congrats!
May I ask how one comes up with a one size fits all debt limit recommendation?
So the student getting a starting salary of $30,000 a year has the same ability to pay as the student landing a job earning $80,000 a year?
Mm. But I think a graduate from
a school like Georgetown or Princeton, would be able to command more than $30k as a starting salary out of college. Espically if he did his due diligence with internships and networking as an undergraduate-- at least that’s what I’m hoping. @ClarinetDad16