<p>Okay - I know, obvious, right? Choice comes down to UGA Honors with no debt or Duke with $25K/yr left to pay between parental contribution and student loans, split evenly. Daughter will most likely pursue grad or med school so keeping debt down is big. UGA's generous AP credit policy will allow her to start with almost 60 hours and possibly graduate in 4 yrs with a Masters. Can a conservative/nondrinking/southern kid be happy at Duke? Is the competitive climate too strong? Thanks for any insight!</p>
<p>bump, anyone from GA face this decision before?</p>
<p>Not from Georgia, but I had a friend at Duke with a similar decision. He was happy with his decision to go to Duke and then went to UGa for grad school for free. Not sure what the rules are, but he mentioned Georgia as a state gives free tuition to pretty much all the top students in the state at its public universities, and if you don’t go there undergrad, you can go for free for grad school. I mean, I don’t know enough of your finances to tell you which is “better,” but, yes, a “conservative/nondrinking/southern kid” can be happy at Duke and there aren’t a shortage of them. If your daughter really wants to attend Duke, then I’d say she should go for it. Obviously, the prestige and opportunities (research, etc.) at Duke are far greater than that of UGa, but I’m not sure how the honors program is. I’m sure it’s strong as well. You only go to college once in your life though! Then you can always go to UGa for grad school for free (at least, according to my short discussion with a friend).</p>
<p>To bluedog,</p>
<p>Any reputable PhD program in the sciences is already free. You’re funded with grants and actually receive a stipend. However, if you’re talking about a professional or masters program, UGa is indeed very unique.</p>
<p>thanks guys - and we’ll have to check on that free tuition for grad courses - I think you can take them as long as you haven’t completed your undergrad first?</p>
<p>But I think most employers care a lot more about where you go to grad school than undergrad…</p>
<p>yes, that is my feeling as well, which is why she’ll probably choose no debt @ UGA over $60K plus in loans @ Duke undergrad and save $$ for bigger name grad school</p>