<p>I received a half-tuition ($22,000) scholarship from GWU, which amounts to a total cost of approximately $36,000 a year there. Meanwhile, UMd offered me $12,000 a year, which would amount to my paying $26,000 per year at that school. I would like to major in International Relations and minor in Linguistics, which I know at UMd is not an available option. At GWU, on the other hand, I would be enrolled in the Elliot School of International Affairs, which if I am correctly informed, has a great reputation. If I choose to attend UMd, I will be majoring in Linguistics and enrolled in the College Park Scholars Program, with a concentration in International Studies. I am also concerned about study abroad possibilities, as this is something I would very much want to do my Junior year. I saw that at GWU, students who study abroad abroad incur a fee depending upon in which program they participate. What is the policy for UMd, and what are people's experiences with study abroad at each of these places? It is also significant to note that I plan on going on to graduate school, so I would want to have some money left over to spend on that.
So, my question is: is GWU worth the extra $10,000 a year?</p>
<p>I had to make the same decision last year. I was accepted to both engineering programs but ultimately chose George Washington. If you are majoring in international affairs, hands down come to GW. It is worth the extra money, you can always stay for grad school.</p>