<p>I'm a rising senior and I was wondering if it is worth it to go to a cheap 2nd tier public school and save alot of Money for Grad/Med school or to go to a better school, for more money, and be in more debt after med/Grad school. Any comments and reactions would be great, thanks.</p>
<p>I would say probably yes, it is worth it. But, you may hurt your chances at getting into a better grad school by going to a weaker undergrad. Or, it could help you because you will be at the top of the weaker school. </p>
<p>I guess it really depends....</p>
<p>It all depends on your own situation. If we're talking like a hundred grand for a family with tough finances, then yeah, the cheap school without a doubt.</p>
<p>But if financial aid makes the better school possible within maybe ten or twenty thousand, then it's your call as to whether or not you want to go into debt.</p>
<p>^Yeah, it depends on the financial strain attending a more costly university would cause.</p>
<p>And honestly most people who can get into the top schools would do just as well at a 2nd tier (even 3rd or 4th tier) public, if not better.</p>
<p>Yep, and don't think that the educational value of a "lower" school will be any different than those of higher prestige. I think the only thing to assess is if the school that costs more would be a better environment for you that you like. Perhaps like a state school, you'll know a lot of people and may want to start fresh or at your state school the party scene is immense but you prefer something else, or your state school isn't that diverse, etc.</p>
<p>I think you shouldn't worry about only applying to cheaper colleges, apply to a wide viraty of colleges including expensive privates, because in some situations, private schools can end up becoming cheaper than attending publics, whether it be through them wanting you really bad(ie giving you merit aid, some schools like USC do this) or them seeing your financial situations and giving you a lot of need based grants(most all top Unis and LAC do this).
Don't shut yourself out from top schools because you think you can't afford them.</p>
<p>Your state school, should be the safety or match that should be the place where you would end up if financial aid at other schools don't kick in. I'd say pick two publics/3 publics within your state you can see yourself at, and then apply to schools because you like them(regardless of price tag). In my opinion a common mistake is for students to apply to out of state publics, because in the end most of the time it ends up being that the state school doesnt offer much financial aid,since you're not a resident of thier state.</p>
<p>YES!</p>
<p>If your applying to competitive grad schools, it is better to be a shining star at a "lesser" college than one of the masses at a top 10 school. Plus, its the graduate school degree that really matters so go with the cheaper option!</p>
<p>you're better off going to a cheap 1st tier public than a 2nd or 3rd tier. I'll give 2 reasons. </p>
<p>First, peer influence. If the overall atmosphere is party-hardy and anyone spending time studying is disparaged as a "nerd" you're going to have a tough time keeping the ball rolling for grad school. And even if the influence is more benign, peer influence and norms play a big role in our lives. At the 2nd tier publics in many cases the pull is going to be away from achievement.</p>
<p>Second, the examples you see around you. Maybe you already know or think you can discover everything it takes to get into a top med or grad school. And if so, disregard this item. On the other hand, most of us don't know everything and benefit from the examples around us. Having friends who are getting jobs in labs teaches you that it possible and how to do it. Same with being around kids who are getting summer internships, going to office hours, and a thousand other things that you might not know about college and getting ready for the future after college.</p>
<p>The simple answer: yes.</p>
<p>What kind of grad school do you intend to go to? The reason why I'm asking is that lots of Top 20 B-School and 90% of engineering grad schools offers part-time and/or distance learning options. If you intend on getting an engineering master degree or MBA then go to a great first tier school, and find a great job that pays you to get your advanced degree.</p>
<p>If you think the two institutions in question will offer a similar background / preparation for the professional school you intend on applying to, I would say certainly go with the cheaper one. I don't know much about any grad programs aside from law, but if they're at all similar they value a high GPA above the prestige of the undergrad institution.</p>
<p>A lot of it depends what you want to study. If it's something very practical/specific/sale-able (I'm thinking engineering, CS, accounting etc.) then the anwer is a strong "yes." I would also say "yes" if your plans are not just med school, but also law school: admission to those programs depend largely on GPA and test scores. </p>
<p>However, for those who want to study the humanities and then go on to graduate school in the humanities, then the biggest "name" school may be the way to go. An English degree from a top school will help you get into a good grad program easier than an English degree from a 2nd tier.</p>
<p>I like mikemac's response, although finding a 'cheap' first tier could be a challenge!</p>
<p>He's right, you are influenced by what you are around. This turned out to be so true for my #2 daughter, who went to a party school and promptly started oversleeping and missing class after too much partying. She lost her scholarship almost immediately. (Her dad went on paying tuition and didn't penalize her, which was a huge mistake)</p>
<p>that is my one concern for my current rising senior. Great kid, has been in pretty good public schools all thru middle and high school. but those big state universities--it does give me pause.</p>
<p>Yes, absolutely.</p>
<p>Caveat: Apply to safety/less expensive schools you know you could enjoy attending. Don't have to be your first choice, but you don't want to be making the decision between "expensive dream school I love" and "cheap school I hate." Put some thought into it.</p>
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However, for those who want to study the humanities and then go on to graduate school in the humanities, then the biggest "name" school may be the way to go. An English degree from a top school will help you get into a good grad program easier than an English degree from a 2nd tier.
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<p>Perhaps - but having an English degree from a top school isn't any comfort when you can't afford to go to your favorite, or any, grad school!</p>
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At the 2nd tier publics in many cases the pull is going to be away from achievement.
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<p>Gross generalization. There will be high-achieving students at a wide variety of schools; just make sure you visit your choices to get an idea of the student culture.</p>
<p>Kelseyg, it's actually easier to finance graduate school than undergrad. For one, at most schools, grad students have access to grants and fellowships in addition to teaching opportunities. And you don't have to start paying undergraduate debts as long as you're a student.</p>
<p>the perennial question.</p>
<p>That doesn't apply to professional schools and terminal MS programs, if the OP is considering those. Typically, you have to pay your way through.</p>
<p>how often to they offer scholarships in grad schools? by that I mean >half to full rides.</p>
<p>To follow up on what Ken just said, if by graduate school you mean Ph.D programs--then I think you are better off going to the best undergraduate program you can. The better Ph.D programs are fully funded (i.e., tuition waivers plus a living stipend) and you have a better shot at getting admitted from a better undergraduate program.</p>