<p>Hi all!
I am looking to transfer to a larger school within my state to major in elementary education, and be closer to home.
Since I was a child, my parents have been planning on me attending one of the few public schools within my state - a plan that recently blew up in their faces (apparently.)
Again, since I was a child, I have been planning on attending just about any school aside from a large public one - particularly not one within my state.<br>
My plan still remains firm: I did not work as hard in high school as I did for one of these truly mediocre schools, and I am unwilling to begin my career in education on a compromise on my own education.
The problem is, as always, money.<br>
To make an already long-story a tad shorter.... am I absolutely nutty to be considering taking on up to $50,000 worth of loans in order to become a teacher (the best teacher I can be!)? I have been researching interesting/different loan programs (such as MyRichUncle.com) and feel confident that years after graduating, I will look back and be proud I was unwilling to compromise and attend a school I had absolutely zero interest in, even as I am still repaying my debts!</p>
<p>Your bluntness (and name-calling!) is appreciated.</p>
<p>Thanks all,
Ali B.</p>
<p>It's going to be a tough road if you take on a lot of debt. I am an elementary school teacher and one who attended a large public state school. I attended on scholarships and graduated with zero debt. I can tell you that my first year out of school I had no debt and no car payment and I had to be really careful with my money. I suppose it also depends on where you want to live because salaries will vary in different areas of the country as well as living expenses. You may can get a $500 one bedroom apartment one place and a $1500 one bedroom apartment in another.</p>
<p>I encourage you to go to various school district websites. Most now have an employment section. In that employment section you can often find the salary scale for the district. Look for what you would make as a first year teacher with a bachelor's degree. Multiply that number by .72 (because that's likely what you'll take home after taxes, retirement, etc. or something similar) and then divide by 12. That will give you a good idea of what you may be taking home in your first year.</p>
<p>I'm not saying you can't do it the other way, but know what you're getting into and make an informed decision!</p>
<p>a reasonable amount of debt for any student is $15,000 to $20,000.
More than that and it will adversely affect your career path and future plans.</p>