I Need Help Deciding Between Two Colleges!

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hello! I am hoping that you all can provide me with some insight as to where I should officially enroll. I got into my top two choice schools: The College of New Jersey (TCNJ - "The old Trenton State"), and Montclair State University. I want to major in Elementary Education (and English) Here are the positives to each:</p>

<p>TCNJ: TCNJ is basically the second most distinguished school in New Jersey, often being referred to as the "affordable Ivy League school." It's a state school with an amazing education. It will run me roughly $24,000 per year, including housing/books/etc. It's teacher's education program is one of the most accredited programs in the country. Their student teaching program is one of the best. It is very difficult to get into, has a beautiful campus, and is located roughly 40 minutes from my house. I would graduate in five years with a masters degree. I did not receive a scholarship at this school.</p>

<p>MSU: Montclair State University is another great college for teacher's education. I would have to begin my freshman year studying English, and apply to the Education Program my sophomore year. I have been accepted into the Honors Program, which is quite an honor as only about less than 10% of the freshman class. It is located about 45 minutes from my house, in North Jersey, where I would like to live and work when I am older. I love this campus as well, and a lot of my cousins live in the area, which is a bonus. I would graduate in four years with a bachelor's degree. I would eventually get a master's degree once I have a steady job. They are giving me a $40,000 scholarship ($10,000 per year, which covers about half of all total costs, including room and board).</p>

<p>Would it be smarter to enroll at the "affordable Ivy League" school and graduate with a master's degree in five years, even though I would have no scholarship? Or should I enroll at a great college for my major, be in the Honors Program, and have half of my total costs covered - graduating with a bachelor's degree with honors? What would probably get me hired first (in the North Jersey area, if possible)?</p>

<p>Thanks for any input you may give!</p>

2

<p>Your cost for four years at Montclair State would be about half that of four years at TCNJ. Is there any cost differential on getting the masters?</p>

<p>That’s an awful lot to invest for another NJ state U.</p>

3

<p>I am pretty sure that there wouldn’t be a cost differential on the master’s. I’m more worried about my education than cost though.</p>

4

<p>Who is hired first, the TCNJ graduate or the Montclair graduate? Ask the hiring staff at your school district, if they see any real difference in the graduates of these two programs. If you can get hired with a B.A. from Montclair, you can finish a Master’s program part-time once you are working.</p>

<p>If your goals change, and you decide not to complete an education program, where would you rather be studying, and how much money to you want to spend on your degree? What other options do you have at Montclair and TCNJ, and how much debt would you have to take on in order to complete those programs?</p>

5

<p>well i will say u gho for Montclair … u have a scholarship yu can finish easily and besides is a greeat school won best public in NJ this year it has been underrated for most of the time</p>

6

<p>can you afford TCNJ without debt? If so, go for TCNJ. If not, go to Montclair State. It’s that simple.</p>