GWU vs. Binghamton vs. Baruch

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I was accepted to George Washington University, SUNY Binghamton, CUNY Baruch, (& Boston University but I've already ruled it out because I would have to pay full tuition). I'm having a major dilemma when trying to choose one of these schools. I want to major in either Business or International Affairs/Political Science.</p>

<p>At GWU I was accepted into the School of Business & received a $20,000/yr presidential merit scholarship. I would still have to pay about $35,000(tuition + dorm).
Pros: DC - internships/opportunities; campus life; Academically in top 50 in the US, has all majors I would consider majoring in
Cons: Expensive</p>

<p>At SUNY Binghamton I would have to pay full tuition + dorm, which is about $20,000.
Pros: Academically a great school within the SUNY system, bang for your buck
Cons: Middle of nowhere</p>

<p>At CUNY Baruch, I was accepted into the Baruch Scholars Program, which seems similar to the Macaulay Honors Program; I receive full tuition scholarship for 4 years, a free laptop, $1200 stipend, and honors classes.
Pros: Free (& all thats stuff I get), NYC opportunities/internships/etc.
Cons: STAYING AT HOME, it's CUNY that I could've been accepted to without working as hard as I did in HS, not much of a college experience, not much flexibility of majors/classes outside of business</p>

<p>My parents do have enough money to pay for college, even GWU, which is why I did not receive any need-based financial aid; I need more advice to add to my pros/cons list to decide where to go. Please & thank you!</p>

2

<p>Well, I am slightly (extremely?) biased, but I’d say GWU. Though, realistically, I’d suggest taking a strong look at both CUNY Baruch and GWU. Are you thinking about going to directly to grad school after or directly into the work force? If you want to go to grad school, CUNY Baruch may be a better choice because you/your parents can take the 35k/yr and focus it on your grad school. If you are trying to get into the work force, GW may be able to provide you with the internships and connections to get you a good job.</p>

3

<p>All great choices so congratulations. I would rule out CUNY since it sounds like you want a full residential experience at college and you won’t get it there. Going away to college is a lot to give up if you don’t have to. I’d sit down with your parents to have a serious conversation about what makes sense financially. If they can comfortably afford GW and you prefer that school, then go there.</p>