<p>I'm trying to find the cheapest university to go to, but all the ones that would give me a significant amount of money to go are low-ranked universities. Will it hurt me in the long run to just go to a mediocre university because it's the cheapest plan? Or should I go to the best university I can get in to, even if it will put me in a lot of debt? My plan is to eventually go to grad school, so does it really matter where I go for undergrad?</p>
<p>It’s not the name of the school you go to, but what you do there that counts. Generally, a 4.0 GPA at Public State U will get you further than a 3.5 at an Ivy League University (though a 3.5 can still be impressive if the college is known for grade deflation). </p>
<p>There’s little point in going to a school you hate, but it is a good idea to keep your debt as low as possible. Especially since you’ll likely have to take out some loans for grad school as well. Hopefully you’ll find a cheap university that fits you decently. </p>
<p>Visit these threads for more guidance: <a href=“The Loan Reality - Financial Aid and Scholarships - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/financial-aid-scholarships/1637435-the-loan-reality-p1.html</a></p>
<p><a href=“"Top student" at a 3rd tier school... Four years later - Parents Forum - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/905843-top-student-at-a-3rd-tier-school-four-years-later-p1.html</a></p>
<p>Bad is not the same as low ranked. How ‘bad’ are we talking about? Grad schools look at gpa, gre and research or or project experience, and the letters from your professors where you did that research, plus your statement of purpose. Strength of department.is something considered or in some cases they will weight your gpa. They might look at relevant extraciruculars, awards, and TA experience can be a little bonus.</p>
<p>If you post your choices and your cost, you can get some specific feedback. Goting into ‘a lot’ of debt is not a good idea. </p>
<p>Is there a possiblity you can appeal some financial aid decisions? If yes, do so.
I second BrownParent: please post your choices.</p>
<p>Being a top performer among other less-achieving students can have its benefits. My co-worker’s daughter turned down UMich Ross undergrad to accept a “Presidential Scholar” designation at a “less ranked” school. She is among a handful of the top undergraduates, is invited to the topmost events, has access to the best internships/mentorships. Basically, the faculty clamor over her because she is unique. It sounds like you may be, as well.</p>
<p>Another advantage of a local University is that if you wish to remain in the area, hiring managers will know whom to approach. If you’re among the top performers in the local univ, you can bet you’ll get lots of eyes on you for jobs/internships/co-ops.</p>
<p>Keep this in your mind: “I’m saving a BUNDLE of money I will use once I graduate” At your first job, your co-workers will be living at mom’s house, driving a used car, paying off loans. Not you… </p>
<p>You can also start at the ‘lesser’ college and transfer later. I know many very good students who don’t have the money who wen to (gasp) community colleges for the 1st year or two. Then they transferred to good schools and finished up. Their BS still says graduate of ‘good school’. No asterisk for the early years. If they can do that, you can go to a lower ranked school and do well overall. It is more about doing well wherever you end up.</p>
<p>Do the math. Compare salaries for grads in your major from the dream school and grads from your prospective reality school. Then see how many years it would take to pay back the loans with the difference. If it is anything like this exercise we did with my son, the picture will become crystal clear.</p>
<p>Make sure you compare like majors between the schools when making the comparisons. For example, if one school mostly graduates engineers and the other teachers, you cannot compare grad school admissions or average salaries. Just compare the ones from the same departments, engineering majors against engineering majors, physics majors and outcome against other physics majors, and so on.</p>