<p>I know that it's probably annoying for people to respond to threads like these (again!) but here goes...</p>
<p>I'm a resident of Michigan and I've basically narrowed down my choices now to Michigan State and UMich-AA. I'm probably going to go into political science (my State "major" is James Madison right now) or some other social science field.</p>
<p>To go to State will cost virtually nothing as I have a ton of merit aid (all four years). Michigan, on the other hand, will cost some $10,000 per year because I got significantly less money there. Does anyone have any insight into how I should decide?</p>
<p>I know that a lot people contend that Michigan is more prestigious blahblah, but does do the rankings have such a huge disparity (and such huge importance?)? Would it be better worth saving my money so I can go to Michigan or some other place for grad school?</p>
<p>In my opinion, rankings mean little as far as political science programs for both MSU and U of M. James madison itself has loads of networking opportunities within the residential college with constant presentations and hiring fairs and visits from former MSU-james madison graduates who have already received prestigious positions with federal government agencies i.e. Department of State or C.I.A., then the university networking is also rather expansive. </p>
<p>If I was in your position I would definitely go to MSU so that you could save money, and go to U of M or somewhere more prestigious for grad. school</p>