<p>Hello everyone! I have been accepted to UGA, out of state, and could not be happier. I have no shred of doubt that UGA is the best choice for me. However, recently my parents have started to make the argument that UGA is the same as North carolina State University, but some $15,000 more. I understand their argument, but cannot help but think that UGA is better and cannot think of anyone who would pick NC State over UGA, besides of course for their awesome engineering program and design program. I would love any concrete support for my love of UGA and just any evidence I can present that would back up my argument for UGA! I just cannot let it go and I know I will regret going anywhere else. Thank you!!!</p>
<p>UGA is a great school and I wish you luck in your decision. Which programs or majors are you interested in? That might help you make an informed comparison between UGA and NC State. As a parent, I can sympathize with the issue of finances being part of the decision. Good luck.</p>
<p>By the way, I thought you were planning on going to Tulane. Did something change?</p>
<p>[quot]recently my parents have started to make the argument that UGA is the same as North carolina State University, but some $15,000 more.
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<p>As a Georgia parent, I have to agree - they’re pretty comparable. I think that the difference that’s appealing to you is the classic college town vs. the university in a larger city. But academically, there shouldn’t really be a compelling reason to part with an extra $60,000.</p>
<p>I recommend that you consult the common data set (cds). Simply go to each school’s homepage, and type “common data set” into the search engine. The cds provides valuable quantitative and qualitative information about each school, including admissions data, class size, retention and graduation rates, etc. I further suggest that you look at the U.S. News and World Report for useful data.</p>
<p>Some may disagree with me, but I believe that UGA is a stronger institution than NC State. The 2010 U.S. News and World report rankings assign a noticeably higher reputation score to UGA (3.4) than NC State (3.1). What do these scores mean? It’s a reflection of what other college presidents and top administrators think of their peers’ academic reputations. UGA has the 25th best undergraduate business program in the country (management information systems, accounting, insurance, and real estate are all ranked in the top 15). UGA also boasts top, nationally-ranked programs in journalism and education. Other strong disciplines/departments include: speech communications, biology, ecology, mathematics, and international affairs. There are several well-ranked graduate programs, but–as an undergraduate–that should not be as important to you. I am not as familiar with NC State, but I don’t believe that they can compete with UGA in many of these fields.</p>
<p>Is UGA worth the extra 15K/year? For some, probably not. Remember, though, that college is what YOU make of it. However, I will say from experience that you will probably be more academically successful at the institution that you feel the most a part. Please feel free to send me a private message if you have questions about UGA. Good luck with your decision.</p>
<p>Okay, I know I love UGA and I should be rooting for UGA on these forums, but an extra 15k for UGA?! That’s a LOT. I really don’t know much about NC State, but I can tell you I’ve at least heard of it before. It’s possible that UGA beats NC State academically, but I don’t really know. But 15k is a lot…</p>
<p>However, if you truly believe that UGA is the place for you, then you should go. What program do you plan on getting into?</p>
<p>What major? Are you in North Carolina (and therefore eligible for in-state at UNC) or is that difference based on a scholarship?</p>