I have narrowed my list down to two schools: Florida State University and The University of Maryland- College Park. I am out of state for both. My major is criminal justice/criminology, but if that doesn’t pan out I will go for accounting. I was just wondering the pros and cons to each school and for a general opinion. I really like both schools. Any suggestions/tips would be helpful.
Obviously I am new here and this is my first post, but anything you say can only help.
UMD is consistently ranked as one of the top (if not the top) graduate criminology programs. The undergraduate program is extremely popular. Their accounting program is well regarded. The Big Four accounting firms recruit heavily from UMD. Where would you like to settle after college? Does that factor in any way for you?
Good luck with your decision.
Thanks for the response. I enjoyed visiting Tallahassee and can see myself living there. I also have friends from that area also. That being said, I can also see myself settling in Virginia. Without a doubt I realize UMD is the superior program, but I think I would fit better in Florida.
I do not know enough about the specific programs at FSU to comment. It’s a good school, perhaps not ranked as highly as UMD, but if you settle in Florida it clearly has name recognition. I know you mentioned you are out of state for both. How much is FSU for an OOS?
UMD may have the top graduate program, but FSU’s is ranked 7th. Not that this is really about graduate programs. 
FSU does have a solid program, and a few spots in the rankings really doesn’t matter, especially for criminology.
FSU also has a rocking Clown College! Lets not forget… :O)
FSU is cheaper than UMD for OOS by a good amount. I guess the question to really ask is that is it worth it to go to UMD for a better education or should I save a little money and go to FSU instead.
It sounds to me like you prefer FSU and it is cheaper so why not go there?
If I can establish in state residency in Florida I think FSU would be the choice.
It seems like you prefer Florida & it’s cheaper, so FSU.
Although UMD is better, I think you would be a better fit at FSU.
You can only establish residency if you live in Florida for 12 months and work (without taking any college class), with your own FL address, drivers’s license in FL, pay taxes in FL on the work you do.
If you attend college you’re considered “in Florida for educational purpose” and thus not a resident and thus not eligible for instate tuition.
What’s your parents’ budget?
What’s the net price* for each?
- net price = (tuition+fees+room+board) - (scholarships+grants)
To be honest I love both schools equally. I was just wondering if the more money by going to maryland is worth it.
What’s your parents’ budget?
What’s the net price* for each?
- net price = (tuition+fees+room+board) - (scholarships+grants)
For the criminology major really hard to beat Maryland’s location with federal agencies. who hire maryland graduates, so close in DC. For the criminology majors who are considering law school, they have an interesting Law and Society minor to go along with the major.
On the other hand, if you’re thinking about Accounting and business as a backup plan, Florida State offers more flexibility in getting into their Business School compared to Smith. Getting into Smith will be challenging indeed and will require you to, for all intent and purposes, reapply to college.