<p>First of all I hope this thread finds all in good health.</p>
<p>So I got into South Dakota State University and also at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. My major in both is Electrical Engineering.</p>
<p>I'm searching for some tips and help from you people to decide which one to choose, the difference between the COA of the two schools is about $1000. So what should I do? Which one should I go with? </p>
<p>Further I need to reduce this COA as much as possible, i.e after my Sophomore year I would perhaps shift to housing with rent. Will this indeed reduce the burden on my parents? The housing and boarding cost is about $5800 in both the Schools.</p>
<p>I don’t know much about the two schools, but as far as housing costs, bear in mind that campus housing usually includes utilities, trash pickup, internet service, cable TV, etc. in the price. The campus board plan removes the need not only for shopping but for the driving and the preparation time involved in being your own chef. When you compare the prospect of cost savings by moving off campus, you need to factor all those things into your accounting.</p>
<p>You may want to go to PrincetonReview.com and look at their assessments of academics, student body, and campus life. Based upon their surveys with students, they often give 60-99 ratings on academics and campus life.</p>
<p>South Dakota State will offer a traditional college experience - 12,000 students in a full range of disciplines. Mines offers a very different kind of experience - 2,000 engineers and other assorted techies. No big football weekends, no English or History majors, little of the broad scope of liberal education. I love Rapid City, but I also love traditional campus life and college towns. The call depends upon your priorities.</p>