<p>Disclaimer: I hope the length of this post doesn't scare anyone off, but I really need some opinions on my situation.</p>
<p>I'm from the DC area (Arlington, VA) and am currently enrolled as a sophomore at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) in Wilmington North Carolina. The reasons I chose this school was because it 1) was near the beach, 2) the Cameron School of Business is fairly reputable in the state of North Carolina, and 3) I got accepted. I never tried my hardest in high school...I had problems with motivation. I left my high school with a 3.4 GPA and a 29 ACT, but that wasn't enough to get me into JMU. However, after coming to Wilmington, I discovered my inner potential and came up strong. I am pursuing a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Information Systems. I am on the collegiate rowing team and currently maintain a 3.76 GPA. I have a fairly active social life with my teammates and other friends, both Greek and non-Greek.</p>
<p>In almost every way, I love my school. There are so many things about UNCW that I wouldn't change, and the ones I would change are arguably unimportant. However, out of state tuition isn't cheap, and although my parents are paying for my entire education, a 4 year degree from UNCW would drain 100% of the funds my parents had saved for me. Conversely, if I were to transfer to a Virginia-based university to complete my next two years, I would save enough to pay for my graduate program (I plan to graduate and work for a few years before pursuing my masters).</p>
<p>With a very "what the heck" attitude, I sent out two transfer applications over the winter break to UNC-Chapel Hill and the University of Virginia. Obviously, there are no financial gains to be had by transferring to Chapel Hill, but I figured I might as well see if it would even be an option. My parents permit me to study out of state, and that the additional financial cost should not be considered in my decision to transfer because, in the end, they want me to be happy (My older brother graduated in 2012 from NC State, and consequently will be relying on his company to assist paying for his graduate program).</p>
<p>In case it isn't clear, I am spending this spring semester in complete limbo. So, I turn to you, CC Forum Community, to help me brainstorm ideas surrounding my dilemma: Is the prestige of a state school like UVA more beneficial than an "up-and-comer" school like UNCW? Does the difference in tuition trump everything that UNCW brings to the table? I'm sure some of you might reference the extracurricular Crew team I am involved in...I do plan to row throughout college, regardless of the school I attend. In comparing the school's rowing programs, UVA and Chapel Hill have fully-funded NCAA division programs, whereas UNCW is a club level team endowed with minimal equipment and a number of members "lacking in dedication."</p>
<p>But when it comes down to it, I'm only going to be in college for another 2 years. I could make/support the argument that a degree is a degree, it doesn't matter where one goes. But is that really true in all circumstances? Would having a ~3.3 from UVA or Chapel Hill not look as good as a ~3.9 from UNCW to a prospective employer in Raleigh or the DC area?</p>
<p>I'm sure many people will tell me (many people have already) that I need to wait until I get all of my applications back before considering the possibilities. However, 1) It's really hard to not think about it, and 2) I will not have all my responses until May 1, and I must make the initial enrollment deposit to either Chapel Hill or Virginia by MAY 15. The two week window is not long at all, and I want to start weighing pros and cons over the coming months so that I am not completely off guard when the time comes.</p>
<p>Speak your mind freely, I welcome all vantage points. I only ask for you to support your advice in every way you can. I would be happy to clarify or answer questions if necessary.</p>