Does it matter where you go to Grad school?

Graduate School
1

<p>Hey guys...first off just want to say you all have been helpful. I've been reading these boards for months now and glad I came across this site.</p>

<p>Now..my question. I have a BA in international studies from the University of South Florida and will be going to grad school for latin american studies. However, because of expensive tuition, I'd like to stay in-state. My options are University of Florida (has one of the best latin american studies programs) and once again, University of South Florida. </p>

<p>If I get accepted to UF (and thats a big IF), it would cost more money because of room and board..BUT..the brand name of UF goes a long way. If I go to U of South Florida, I can live at home and save money, but there masters program is not as good as UF's. Not to mention, EVERYBODY is trying to get into that program. </p>

<p>USF-$10,000 total cost for masters (ok program, live at home, save money ,no GRE req)</p>

<p>UF- $20,000 total for masters (live on campus, better school and program, harder to get in)</p>

<p>Cumulative GPA-3.35, Last 2 years-3.10
Bilingual in spanish
Internship- Florida House of Representatives
Study Abroad- Leon, Mexico
Volunteer, community service</p>

<p>Need your opinions/thoughts.</p>

2

<p>If you get accepted to UF, definitively go there.</p>

3

<p>I'd go for UF. Sure, USF is cheaper, but UF isn't cripplingly expensive, and reputation of grad school can be useful.</p>

4

<p>Just curious...how did you arrive at 20k for the UF program? The tuition is just over $300/hour.</p>

5

<p>Tuition + room + board + books = $20,000 (2 years)</p>

<p>Not to mention, you also have to include health insurance, computer, fees...etc. Believe me, I was cutting off as much $$ as possible.</p>

6

<p>I'm going to UF, so I'd say go there. Reputation can matter in more scientific fields as well as business, I have no idea on your choice of study though. Offhand, I'd say it'd matter about as much and I'd go for UF.</p>

7

<p>$10,000 in loans isn't a big difference. If you were looking at a difference of 50k+ I'd go for the cheaper school, but 10k in difference is barely anything loan wise. </p>

<p>-Erin</p>

8

<p>I agree. $10,000 in loans is payable nowadays. If the gap is $30,000 or more, it's not worth it.</p>

9

<p>As many have already mentioned, 20K of additional debt, although still a lot, is by no means financially crippling and the additonal burden of going to UF is probably worth it. As the poster above me pointed out, when the gap starts to hit 30K or 40K, you need to watch out unless the school in question is somewhere like Harvard or Stanford where you are tapping into an impressive network in addition to getting the degree.</p>

10

<p>I prefer a school with better reputation. It will probably give you a much better experience. You can probably make all the money that you have lost for going to UF in the future anyway.</p>

11

<p>I am a UF alumni, so I would definitely say UF. Not just b/c it is a better program, but living in Gainesville was wonderful for me. I love College Football, and for me going to USF would be torture!</p>

<p>On a more pragmatic note, I would suggest looking at where the graduates of both schools end up. See if those are the type of places you want to work. Also, consider that UF is a huge school and has tons of alumni, which may help you get a sweet job. I have met at least 5 UF alumni since I have moved to Los Angeles a year ago.</p>