Is the University of Michigan worth the money?

I have been accepted to the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor. It is my most prestigious and expensive option. Is the extra cost just buying me the prestige? Is it worth it? Thanks.

I’d say it depends on your other options.

In a vacuum, I’d say - No!

It depends what the prestige is for. If you come from an upper income family, the social prestige associated with a university like Michigan is not only desirable, but probably expected. Of course, that would also mean that your parents would easily be able to afford the cost of attendance. Also, there are some industries that are very “prestige” conscious, and attending a university like Michigan enhances your chances of being placed in that industry. However, in most cases, paying $55,000 for college is not worth it if there is a viable option that costs under $40,000 per year.

“Is it worth it” is always a difficult question to answer because it depends upon the circumstances. There are many great schools where you can get a terrific education. I generally agree with the other posters. If you have to struggle to pay for it, for example if you need to take large loans and/or it will be difficult for your parents, I would say no it is not worth that unless there is a concrete reason relating to your specific major or career goals. Work hard at whatever school you choose and you will have great opportunities. Having said that, our S is OOS and we pay full tuition when he had other large scholarship offers, so it is worth it to us. But he won’t graduate with debt. If he had, he probably would have been more likely to accept scholarship offers.

If you have the money, then it is worth it.

I’m curious if you ended up going to University of Michigan and if you decided it was worth it. It will cost us way more than other schools and can’t decide if it’s worth the extra debt.

OP hasn’t been on CC for six years. I wouldn’t expect a reply.

Given the final post of:

University of Wisconsin-Madison VS University of Washington
“I honestly can’t decide. In-state tuition makes UWashington cheaper, but I like UW-Madison better as far as campus/city.”

I would guess no.

Closing for the above reason. If OP returns and wants to respond, they can PM me to reopen.