Drake University, in Des Moines, IA
Truman State University in Kirksville, MO
I really like Drake University: I think that it has slightly superior academics, it’s in a somewhat-large city, and it has higher diversity and a larger Jewish presence (I’m Jewish so that’s important to me). I also like the ‘feel’ of the campus better. However, it is approx. 6 hours away from me, whereas Truman State University is 4 hours away and cheaper. Truman has major drawbacks though: smaller reputation, rural campus with the closest city of 50,000+ 1.5 hours away, and almost no Jewish students and no Hillel.
The Big Question:
While I think that I really like Drake and prefer it to Truman State University, is the tuition worth it? I would be paying over two times as much as I would at Truman State University to attend Drake University, but I am really concerned that I will be uncomfortable there.
Additional information: I want to be a teacher (elementary/middle, haven’t decided yet) and so debt has a lot of weight and importance to my decision about where I will attend next year.
Do they have a Chabad? College is not just about a degree but also about meeting new people, dating and making connections. I am not from the midwest so not familiar with your choices. Are either near other schools. Are there any programs in your state for people who plan to work in non profir areas where loans are forgiven
There are loan calculators readily available. Look at the terms and how much you’d be paying back monthly and for how long. How important is it for you to have a new car after graduation? Plans for a house? Instead of making load repayments, what if that future earning stream were going to your house or sweet vacation fund? Does the ability to buy a home at 28 vs. 38 matter to you? Is Paris preferable to Niagara Falls? College is great – but it’s only four years of a long-lifetime. No one can speak for you.
How much will paying the extra put you and your family out? If your parents are in no position to help at all, even in dire financial straits themselves, not worth it for you to get them to borrow and you have to pay it all back. What you are shooting to do is not going to be paying so much that repaying those loans is going to be easy especially without parental help. Also, you will likely have to take more classes as a teacher even as you are paying back those loans, and sometimes a lot of that tuition comes out of pocket
I know a lot of young people in the teaching field; they have to continue courses even as they are paying off their loans. Many are at low paying private schools as they do this. Without some parental help in living expenses or loan repayment, it’s a tough go financially. SaphireNY brings up some excellent points in her/his post to consider and investigatel.
However, there are usually ways to meet those who are like you, even if the area and the school are lean in that regard. My friend from college has lived most of her life as a Muslim in the frozen tundra where the numbers are low in those of her faith. Yet she has raised her children in it and they have all found spouses and SOs in it. She and her husband have always found or made their way in whatever community they have joined, which due to scarcity of work in his field has been economically driven.
I agree that there are a lot of life experiences associated with college…but it is also a business decision. If you know that you want a career in teaching, you need to take debt into consideration in your choice. Teaching can be a very fulfilling career, but if you are carrying the equivalent of an extra mortgage payment then there will be some things that may be impacted…car, house, family, etc. Teaching offers job satisfaction and flexibility, but the salary for teachers has been stagnant lately. If money is no object, then go where you love, else take a careful look at your options and find the best fit for your goals including career and overall cost.