<p>I'm wondering what are some of the disadvantages of going to a less competitive school such as Alabama for undergrad, compared to other schools I'm looking at such as USC, Michigan, North Carolina, Texas, Wisconsin, and Penn State.</p>
<p>I'm planning on majoring in business and I want to go to an elite MBA school such as Columbia.</p>
<p>I really like the fact about Alabama that my tuition would be covered and there would be no costs for undergraduate. If I make a 4.0 or a high 3 in undergraduate at a school such as
Alabama and I scored very high on the GMAT, would this put me at a disadvantage at getting into MBA schools such as the Ivies, and Stanford.</p>
<p>My parents are willing to pay $30,000 a year for me and the rest would need to be covered by either merit aid, scholarships, or financial aid. My estimated EFC is around $35,000.</p>
<p>I would personally pick Alabama. The reason being is that you’ll come out with a 4 year degree and not have debt hanging over your head. 4 years is a long ways away and by then your goals and ambitions could change. It is great to go to a good school for your MBA however, a MBA at a small school is the same thing as one from Columbia. </p>
<p>Either way, if I could go to college without having to pay, I would.</p>
<p>dwtisdale, Do you have any idea if you would qualify for financial aid or merit? USC gives quite a bit of merit. I would run a calculator and apply to different colleges and visit. You may receive $ from one of them.</p>
<p>Do we really want to hash this out all over again? This question has been beaten to death on several occasions. </p>
<p>In this corner… weighing at 223 pounds… take the money and avoid the debt! Studies have shown the college you choose does not dictate your success! Your GMATs and GPA will get you the MBA program your looking for!</p>
<p>And in this corner… weighing in a 231 pounds… take the debt and go for the connections you make in college! No studies can account for the intricacies of social networking! Those connections will give you better job opportunities, more starting salary, and pay off your student debt!</p>
<p>I think everyone considering Undergraduate Business School should be required to read the “Calling Experts Concerning Business Schools” thread on this site.</p>
<p>We’re in this boat. But not for business school. Regardless of answers here so far, there ARE arguments to both sides. You know that, or you wouldn’t be asking. So, one point that I’ll make as my D is considering her instate uni for free…versus forever huge debt at great school - because she ALSO wants to get her masters…</p>
<p>My neice went with an instate full ride. She’d also been offered an Ivy at full price. BECAUSE she’d taken the undergrad full ride, her parents were able to afford to send her to Columbia for law school. Happy ending, right?</p>
<p>BUT…</p>
<p>The fact that she got into Columbia from her state uni was a fluke. She excelled in high school and this HUGE college, but she was still waitlisted at Columbia. And had to pay full fare. She was offered a partial scholly for law school at Michigan, or another full ride for her in state uni for law school. So…WILL you/CAN you even GET to that elite school from a “lesser” undergrad program? I know that’s your question. VERSUS, having paid for an elite undergrad education…HOW can one get an elite graduate school education financially. Scholarships are much harder to come by, and smaller. BUT…you could also enter the working field and finish up.</p>