<p>Brandeis is my first choice college. I would love to attend but right now it’s not looking financially viable. I received a Presidential Scholarship ($25,000). If I attend I’ll be paying ~$27,000 out of pocket per year ($10,000 in debt per year). I’m wondering if current students (or others) think a degree from Brandeis would be worth this compared to Truman State University (Public LAC in Missouri, I have tuition scholarship-no debt). I would also be interested in the availability of a job on campus, jobs in the area, paid internships (computer science), or the odds of being a CA sophomore year (I hear they have trouble keeping them and would like clarification if possible). If anyone is familiar with the Physical Science Scholars Program, I was wondering if it offers any real advantage and if working a job is possible during the summer research. </p>
<p>Although I don’t get any need-based financial aid now(FAFSA), I have a sibling starting college in two years which will drop my EFC. I was wondering if anyone had expierence with what Brandeis is likely to do (grants vs. loans vs. nothing). </p>
<pre><code> --KimFredSon 
</code></pre>
<p>I am not that much of an expert on the inner workings of Finances and such. I have workstudy and some federal loans. It is pretty easy to get a job on campus, there's a job fair at the beginning of the year. I work in the library, which is very flexible, especially when you're a bookshelver at the beginning. Science people often get jobs in labs, you can also work in admissions, or in other offices.
I have a few friends who are CAs, although it does require extra volunteer work and you have to be back on campus earlier and organize hall programs.
You can check out current job offerings here:
<a href="http://www.brandeis.edu/offices/sfs/jobs/oncampus.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.brandeis.edu/offices/sfs/jobs/oncampus.html</a>
And it might also help to e-mail the office of financial services and explain your situation:
<a href="http://www.brandeis.edu/offices/sfs/finaid/index.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.brandeis.edu/offices/sfs/finaid/index.html</a>
Info on CA application process:
<a href="http://www.brandeis.edu/studentlife/reslife/leadership/caselection.htm%5B/url%5D">http://www.brandeis.edu/studentlife/reslife/leadership/caselection.htm</a></p>
<p>It's hard to answer your question without knowing your career goals, and where you want to live after graduation. Truman State may be a fine school (I have no idea) but it is not well known outside of Missouri. Brandeis is certainly a much better known school. Whether that matters or not depends on what you think you want to do, and where.</p>
<p>I would agree with bonanza and say that unless you want to stay is Missouri, Brandeis is going to help you more. I could have gone to UGA for absolutely free with everything covered- room and board included with the scholarship I received. I chose to take a bit of debt and go to Brandeis for the atmosphere, student body, excellent professors, and the notoriety a school of this caliber has.</p>
<p>The biggest problem with jobs on campus is that you have to get them early and you really need to have work study. Most jobs require it. I had problems with my dream on campus job to where they cut back my hours to 4 a week (and then down to 2 before I got fed up with it and quit) when I was hired on for 8 hours a week. While food services is always hiring, personally I cannot work in that environment due to food allergies so it became a hassle. There are plenty of jobs on campus though, just sometimes getting the hours you want means you have to take more mundane work... but that's normal anywhere. </p>
<p>Many people try to get a CA position each year. However, they do have some problems occasionally where CAs are not asked back- normal at any school. You have as reasonable of a chance as any of getting in. I must say that, knowing many people who have tried out for a CA position, the people who got it really were the most deserving. If you are personable, active on campus clubs, and show that you can work well with both students and adults alike (student union work be it as an elected official or on a committee which is open to all students helps), you really help your chances. It <em>is</em> demanding work requiring overnight shifts patroling- especially in freshman dorms (don't know how common that is for upperclassmen..I never see my CA unless I need him!) so while it really helps out, it's a lot of work too.</p>