Is Michigan Worth It?

<p>I live in California and I'm considering applying to Michigan (the rolling admission is nice). But I was wondering if anyone knew how generous they are with financial aid, since out of state tuition is around $28K a year. Also, I'm interested in economics so would Michigan be worth going to over any of the three top UC's (Berkeley, LA, SD)? I know Cal has a great graduate econ program, though I'm not sure if that translates to a good undergrad program. Pragmatically, it would make more sense to go to Cal or UCLA (if I got in), but I'm interested in other people's opinions on this.</p>

<p>P.S. This is for Alexandre: on your location it says "Dubai, United Arab Emirates," do you work or live there (or both)?</p>

<p>You have a great public university in California that your chances would likely be greater at. Berkeley is as good or better than Michigan. UCLA is a great school. UCSD is a good school. I'd stay in California, cheaper and the same education with better chances.</p>

<p>I live in CA, and am encouraging my S to look at UoM. The admissions at Berkeley/LA/SD are such a crap shoot these days, that it is reasonable to look outside of CA at other excellent state universities - thus UoM is on the list. If you want a big university in an urban environment, the only UCs that fit the bill are UCLA and UCB. The rolling admissions at UoM is also attractive</p>

<p>I'm also interested in OP's question. How available is $$ at UoM?</p>

<p>avoidingwork, my dad is the exact opposite, he is discouraging me from looking at Michigan. Well, not actually taking an active initiative, but still he would rather see me at a Cal, UCLA, or UCSD. Also, admissions at Michigan is sort of random as well (maybe not so much as Cal or UCLA), and it's harder for OOS kids.</p>

<p>Avoidingwork and Quagmire123....
Money is possible at Michigan for OOS kids. My D is OOS and is a freshman in the music school this year. She received a large scholarship which was based on her grades, her music audition, and some financial need. During the hunt for schools last year she was aware that unless we got serious $$, we did not think we could afford UM. She went through the process fully aware, but we let her "go for it" and we were pleasantly surprised at the outcome. It's worth a try.</p>

<p>That's a tough one. Michigan is completely difference experience than any UC school. Academically, Cal, Michigan and UCLA are all awesome, but they are very different. In Economics, partcularly at the undergraduate level, Michigan is very strong...at least as good as UCSD and UCLA, perhaps even as good as Cal. </p>

<p>But what type of environment are you looking for? Is money a concern? By and large, I must say that I do not think it is worth play over $30,000/year for an education (regardless of the university) when you can go to Cal for under $20,000/year. I feel the same way about Michigan. It baffles me when a student from a middle income family opts to go to a university at a price of $40,000 when Michigan would cost that same student $20,000 to attend. </p>

<p>And yes, I currently live and work in the Dubai.</p>