<p>I am currently a sophomore at a local community college and I applied as a transfer to a number of schools for Fall 2011. I got accepted to Ithaca, Emerson, McDaniel, URI, & Suffolk University. </p>
<p>I have narrowed it down to Emerson or McDaniel College and I'm having a really hard time deciding which to go to. If money weren't an issue, than I would automatically choose Emerson, because I am studying Film and it's obviously the best school for Film out of the ones I applied to, but this is the situation:</p>
<p>For McDaniel I am being given $7,500 in loans after grants, in which I will have to take out $5,000 more in outside loans to complete the cost. I am getting housing here, so that's included.</p>
<p>At Emerson I will be given $7,500 in loans and that complete the cost of tuition. The problem with Emerson is that they aren't giving me housing this semester, and don't guarantee it to transfer students at all. I live in RI so I would have to commute since I wouldn't have the money to get an apartment. I thought that my Financial Aid Package would include loans for off-campus housing, but it doesn't. </p>
<p>I really don't know what to do since I want to go to Emerson, but I really want the whole college experience of living in a dorm and all that. I also don't know how I would get the money to commute to Boston every day. </p>
<p>Does anyone have any suggestions of what I should do? My family's EFC was 0 so we really don't have any extra money. If we did then I would just get an apartment in Boston and everything would be fine. I'm really stressing out because I need to make a decision by June 1st.</p>
<p>Anyone? Please I really need a second opinion.</p>
<p>It sounds to me like you’ve made the decision for yourself already. If you want to make Emerson work, though, you could always take out a private loan to pay for rent on an apartment. Getting one IN Boston would be expensive but I know some of the surrounding areas are cheaper. 2 years of rent + utilities + commute would probably add $20,000 to your loans; getting a part-time job would lighten the burden (it’s my understanding that you can change your loan amount if you want).</p>
<p>However, being willing to accept loans is just one piece of it - if your job prospects won’t be good, you’ll be screwed, so if you take that route then make sure you’ll be able to pay them off.</p>
<p>McDaniel as in McDaniel College in Maryland?</p>
<p>Yes McDaniel College in Maryland.</p>
<p>@brickbybrick Wow, those numbers are huge. I just feel like my job prospects would be worse at McDaniel. At Emerson is well-known for Film, so I feel like I would have a better chance at finding a job after. If McDaniel was well-known for Film than I would automatically choose that one, but I don’t think the program is that great.</p>
<p>I’m very familiar with McDaniel and many of the students there are communters…from what I know. I think if you take out loans to get an off-campus place with some roommates at Emerson you will still have a great experience!</p>
<p>emerson for sure. see if the school can get you connected to an off campus housing network to see if anyone needs a roommate. there is a lot of relatively cheap student housing in boston</p>
<p>The problem is that I already need to take out $7,500 in loans for tuition. I would probably be looking at another $10,000 in loans if I live off-campus which would add up to almost $40,000 when I graduate. I don’t think I’ll be making enough money as a film student after I graduate to pay off those loans before the interest adds up.</p>
<p>Can you call Emerson’s financial aid office and ask them to increase your award? That’s what I’m in the process of doing with McDaniel.</p>
<p>Unfortunately they won’t because they are already covering full tuition, and since I’m not living on-campus, they can’t increase my award. I know that Emerson would be a much better education, but I just don’t think I can afford living in an apartment in Boston.</p>
<p>I don’t think employers would care whether it’s McDaniel or Emerson, honestly. Schools are two groups- 1) The Ivies and semi Ivies 2) The neither. So I’d say just go for the cheaper one and try to have as less loans as possible. Emerson might be better, but is it so much better that it is worth the loans and commute? Nope.</p>
<p>^^ As an ivy league student I suppose I should be flattered, but I’m afraid you’re flat out wrong, Milanista. Given the fact that this student is interested in studying film, it is hardly insignificant that Emerson is widely regarded as having one of the best film departments around. To OP, do whatever you’re more comfortable with, but ask yourself whether you’ll be kicking yourself in ten years’ time for making one decision or the other. Yes, money is significant, but DO pay attention to where you’ll be happier and more fulfilled, because it will likely translate into better performance and overall better outcomes.</p>