<p>All right, I just stumbled upon this website today and think I found heaven. I'm in quite a situation, and any help would be a lifesaver. For many, many, many reasons, I want to get out of the state I'm living in (Arizona). To do so would be a dream come true. I've been accepted to all of the schools I applied to, but the two that are the most feasible out of state are University of Pittsburgh and Northeastern University. Both of these schools are offering full-tuition scholarships for all four years (through the National Merit program for Northeastern). That leaves around $14,000-15,000 left for room, board, and other expenses. My parents can contribute about $5000 a year, and if I work hard over the summer (I've had two jobs for a while), I should be able to get around $2500-3000. Hopefully That still leaves around $6000-7000 a year. The only financial aid I'm getting (from Northeastern at least; I still need to send in some things to Pitt) is an unsubsidized loan of $5500 a year, which still leaves me short. My parents are continually telling me how it's an awful idea to go into debt for an undergraduate degree, especially when I will most likely be continuing schooling after a bachelor's degree. Also, my dad said that, outside of financial aid packages, loans require a co-signer, and they are not in a position to co-sign on a loan. I guess what I'm trying to ask is: how do I make this work? I feel like these two schools are much better (and more appealing to me, especially the location) than Arizona State University or University of Arizona. I feel like it would be worth it to go into debt for one of these schools, especially considering the fact that the loan would be no more than $30,000 total. Any feedback, advice on going into debt, advice on these schools, anything at all would be awesome. I'm kind of desperate. Thanks!</p>
<p>Personally, I feel nothing can duplicate your undergraduate experience. In many ways, you learn much more than just what is in classrooms during this time, and graduate school is much different than undergrad as far as your life experience goes. If your heart is out-of-state, that is possibly be where it should lead you, because you’ll never get that chance again. It is also a good educational experience to live in other places. Debt, however, is never a great thing to have, but is unfortunately a fact of life for many students these days but can likely be deferred during grad school. From a financial perspective, living in Pittsburgh is much cheaper than living in Boston due to a much more advantageous cost of living. Pitt is also probably generally considered the better than your other three schools, however a decision should consider what type of field you are interested in. Northeastern is the one that seems to be the most different, as it will not have major athletics that are found at Pitt, UA, or ASU, and that aspect can add a different flavor to college life and spirit if you appreciate those sorts of things. Definitely, you should consult, and if possible meet with or phone the financial aid officers at Pitt and Northeastern and explain your situation. They may be able to directly address some of your specific financial concerns.</p>
<p>Yikes. So my parents are refusing to send in the necessary tax forms to get a financial aid package from Pitt. I e-mailed them today at lunch detailing my situation. Hopefully I can still make this work…</p>
<p>Go to Arizona or ASU, ( I would choose AZ over state personally). You also have to consider cost of living outside of just room and board like TRAVEL. Plus if your parents can’t do it, they can’t do it. Times are tough right now, it is important to keep that in mind. Be happy you have what you have at AZ and make THAT work.</p>
<p>What are you majoring in? If you can get a decent job, your undergrad debt will be annoying but managable. If you want to leave Arizona as badly as you think, the annoyance later on will be worth the hapiness you’ll have for 4 years of undergrad. For sure.</p>
<p>You can consider working during the year too right? That’d take care of your 1500. If you’re going to grad school, I’m sure they’d understand.</p>
<p>That’s an unusual situation, since sending such forms in no way locks you into going there. As you probably know such things are required to see if you are eligible for programs like federal work-study. However, even without work-study, there are still student employment opportunities if you don’t qualify for that. I worked in a research lab during undergrad and got great experience at the same time. You might actually want to try to get the financial aid office on the phone if their email is unsatisfactory, but I’m not sure what they can do without your financial information.</p>
<p>However, perhaps most importantly, it sounds like you need to have a conversation with your parents in order to try explain your own feelings on why you at least want to explore the possibility of going out-of-state, and don’t let any emotions get the better of you. Have a logical list of reasons for doing so. Honestly, I feel debt incurred with a full tuition ride will be minimal, and your expenses will likely come down if you eventually move off-campus. But, your parents aren’t necessarily wrong in trying to have you avoid debt so try to understand their perspective too, and don’t let these disagreements impact your relationship with them negatively. Your relationship with your parents is more important than perhaps anything else. </p>
<p>Perhaps the qualities of the programs you are interested could help convince them why it may be advantageous to go somewhere. What are you interested in studying?</p>
<p>In any case, good luck!</p>
<p>Northeastern grad here. Factor in that after your freshman year, you’ll also be making money during your co-op assignments at Northeastern. Real money and real jobs - usually splitting a job with another co-op student. When people usually talk “work-study” jobs around here that usually means handing out towels at the gym or the like. </p>
<p>I do disagree with your parents somewhat. True, debt is not something to be taken lightly but undergraduate education is when most will take on debt. They mention grad school where MOST programs of study will be fully funded for the students they really want. So, unless you’re interested in a M.B.A., law or medical school, grad school will be a free ride (and if its not, don’t do it).</p>
<p>“undergraduate education is when most will take on debt” </p>
<p>This blanket statement does not apply to everyone so do not assume this will be the case. Also, grad funding is getting harder and harder to come by as the economic system free falls. </p>
<p>I reiterate stay in AZ, its not like you have poor options.</p>
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You don’t get enough of a stipend to save much. Starting out with a nest egg might be quite liberating in terms of options available.</p>
<p>Every PhD graduate program in the sciences will include free tuition as well as a stipend. That is not going to change, nor is it in danger of changing. Professional graduate programs as well as those in the humanities are a different story.</p>
<p>^ Yes, that wasn’t my point.</p>
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<p>Vociferous makes some good points here (even if he seems clueless on what a “blanket statement” is). </p>
<p>I guess the unknown is what will be your expenses at the in-state schools? We need that info to fully understand the differences in financial options. </p>
<p>Clearly your parents are digging in their heels about you going out-of-state. It’s a hard situation when a parent is refusing to co-sign on a loan. Whether they are in the position to do it or not is not really the issue as the reality is that nobody owes you college education funding. That said, it’s a little harsh when parents give advice on money management when they have done the equivalent of saving about $710 per year to help with your college education. But it also gives you a clear understanding about grad school funding … as you would seem to be on your own. If I’m wrong on that point, now might be the time to strike a deal as to your parents helping with graduate school, if they’ve left you with no other options than in-state tanning U. (Oops, I’m going to hear about that one). </p>
<p>College is what you make of it and there are fine opportunities at most schools for those that make it happen. Conversely (and being brutally candid) being a ‘middle-of-the-pack’ student at state schools ranked as low as your in-state schools are … takes you to a National Car Rental counter.</p>
<p>A blanket statement assumes that every student will take on “most debt” as an undergrad. I know for a fact that many students took on more debt as grad students even WITH full funding packages. So don’t assume everyone has the same experience my friend.</p>
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<p>And if I said or suggested “every student” it would be a blanket statement. But I didn’t. So, as we are friends, may I suggest more careful reading on your part?</p>