<p>I got accepted to Mount Holyoke College which is liberal arts ranked among top 25 colleges. I got a scholarship but it's insufficient, i.e. with my family contribution and their scholarship, I still have to come up with 10k dollars. In today's unstable economy and being an international student from Europe who would like to got to law/business grad school (either in the States or Europe), is it worth to take loan for additional 40k dollars, meaning after I finish college I'd have app 60k $ to pay off (loan from college is included).</p>
<p>In case they increase my FA package, is it worth taking their offer and still end up 20k in debt due to their loan - 3500$ a year (increasing by 5-10% each year) which has to be repaid within 10 years from graduation?</p>
<p>I know all the numbers say it's not worth is especially when returning to Europe (if not getting into American grad school), BA would count only as having finished 3 years of university plus I'd have to go to some masters here. On the other hand, studying in the States would be a tremendous experience and in case I graduate from some great grad school (and get job and visa) it would be easier to repay my debt.</p>
<p>Take in consideration I have an interview scheduled for my first choice university in Europe but I'm not in, just having the interview. </p>
<p>This is a family decision, and needs to be based on what you and your family can afford. It’s highly unlikely you’re going to negotiate $10K more per year. So you will end up with significant debt. Only you know if it’s worth it to you.</p>
<p>MHC is not a school known in many countries, For future job purposes a degree from a good school in your country may well be more helpful. Chances of staying in the US, even if you attend grad school here, are slim. Visas are extremely limited, favor engineers and scientists, and require a lottery even if a company tries to sponsor you.</p>
<p>So do it for the experience, but only if you can afford to pay the loans back in your country.</p>
<p>$40,000 is a big debt to face when you still have to finance graduate school. I think graduating from a ‘bigger name’ graduate school is more important- I would save my money for grad school and go to a cheaper undergraduate school. Good luck.</p>
<p>Well I applied to a few recognisable liberal arts colleges on the East cost and my first choice in university in France so for the States it will depend whether I get in with a good FA and for France I have to get in.</p>
<p>My safety is my Law School in my city (in Europe you study law right after the high school) which is veeery cheap, i.e. depending on your ranking you may end up paying maximum 1300 dollars a year, and I’m sure I’ll get in coz I have good grades and am well prepared for entrance exams and baccalaureate. European universities are cheap coz the government finances them and generally there are no privates ones.</p>
<p>I know that 60k is a huge debt especially when you are 22; not even my parents have such a big debt and they’re 42 and upperish middle class. :S</p>
<p>Ok let’s assume MHC gives me another 10k, what do you think about debt of 20k? I know in the States it’s normal but I’m an international student and when returning to Europe, American college will “translate” into Bachelor which corresponds to 3 years of EU school meaning I would have to go to masters for another 2.</p>
<p>I really don’t understand how MHC has found this gap of 10k when even my parents can’t find it and they really do have best intentions and give me all their financial and moral support for my education.</p>
<p>Better question, where is this “extra” $10,000 going to come from? As an international student you are not eligible for federal or state aid, and there is very limited institutional FA for international students. You will reapply each year for financial aid. The cost of tuition increases each year so you are talking about more than $40k</p>
<p>It is not a matter of “not being a well known school” as the average man on the street does not know the majority of liberal arts schools especially women’s colleges. You will get a wonderful education at mount holyoke should you decide to attend. The amount of debt will be very high especially if you consider another 200k for law school.</p>