I am a high school senior (IB) who is most likely going to have to choose between these three schools for undergrad. I have been accepted into UNC and FSU already and am waiting to hear back from UF, but for the sake of this discussion let’s say I have been accepted into UF (I will keep you all posted). I have been to all of these campuses, and in my opinion UNC’s campus is heads and tales above the other two. I think that it is fair to say that UNC’s academics are better, or at least ranked higher, than UF’s and FSU’s. Additionally, talking to my brother who went to UNC over UF, he said that he had a hard time integrating into the social setting because he was out of state. I am a completely different kid than him, so that may not apply.
Then… costs… I have a decent chunk of money in my college account that could pay for approximately 40% of UNC’s expenses, while leaving the rest for my parents to pick up. If I attended either UF or FSU, with the help of bright futures, I would have the money to pay for everything and then some. My parents have the ability to pay for UNC, however how much they pay now will probably affect how much they pay for my education down the road (graduate school).
I suppose the main dilemma I am facing is this: “Do I stay in Florida and go to school for little cost, or go to UNC for more?”
Intended area of study: economics
Interests: studying abroad, greek life, club/intramural sports, debate, musical involvement, community service
That personally depends. It seems like you have the ability to pay for UNC but in the long run, is it worth it? That’s a personal decision. UNC is such a big school that I’m sure not all of the kids are from NC, however it’s the public state flagship. UF and FSU for you are your state schools and will cover you fine. If you’re worried about cost/loans at all, it’d be wiser to stay in Florida.
If you or your family will be able to handle the costs of going to UNC (how much will you have to pay compared to Florida/what did UNC offer you?), then that’s your choice to make.
Only you and your family can determine if the additional cost is worth it. The rest of us would simply be giving an opinion based on our own situation.
The difference in price would be about $27k/year in tuition (taking into account Bright Futures).
I don’t think graduate school should be your parents’ responsibility, but rather yours - of course, it depends if you mean med school, law school, or a PHD.
How strong are you at math? UNC has an excellent Economics department, but would expect you to be rather strong at math.
UF is not bad. UNC is better overall and for that particular field, but UF may be better for you - what do you think, between these two?
What are your parents saying?
I am pretty strong at math, I took ap calc ab junior year and got a 4 and an A in the class. My parents would be willing to sit down and talk about it if I told them I really wanted to go there. My brother and dad both went to UNC (pre-med) but both of them seem to favor UF.
My S chose UF over UNC OOS and couldn’t be happier. If you are considering grad school, it’s a no brainier. PM me if you want his contact info. He’s a Jr. now and will be applying to UNC for med school in the Spring.
If you intend to go on the PhD study in economics, it is best to take substantial additional math courses, such as multivariable calculus, differential equations, proof-based linear algebra, and real analysis, and calculus-based probability and statistics that statistics majors usually take.
This is a difficult decision; however, it definitely depends on what kind of graduate education you want to pursue.
I’m currently a senior at UNC from Maryland who chose UNC OOS over UVA, UMD, and Emory, and I would do it all over again. The advantage of the economics major is that although it is difficult, it’s a short major, so you’re able to double major, or pick up a couple of minors. I chose to double major in economics and english, with a business minor.
UNC offers an amazing college experience - excellent academics, amazing alumni who will help you get internships/jobs, top-notch athletics, and the quintessential college town. Also, as an out-of-stater, North Carolinians are excited to meet people from other parts of the country.
However, UF’s great, too, and my best friend attends there and she has had an amazing experience.
UNC is ranked higher than UF, but the difference is relatively minor and certainly not worth $27,000 per year. The academic discrepancy is larger between UNC and FSU, but it may not change the calculus. You and your family would be better served by saving the $100,000 and investing it for some future use.
I honestly don’t see the point in going to UNC out of state when you can go to UF, if you do indeed get in. UF is a great school and the difference between the two is unlikely to be worth the large additional cost.