<p>I have been accepted at the University of Minnesota-TC, Bemidji State University, and St. Cloud State University. All of which are in Minnesota. I have written BSU off just because it's so far from where I live. If I go to St. Cloud I would save a good amount of money because tuition is cheaper and I could live with my sister. </p>
<p>The U of MN costs more money that its St. Cloud counterpart. Would I be stupid to save more money in the long run, rather than go to a top university like the U. Does going to a top institution really have that big of an effect on your undergraduate education? I appreciate any and all advice or opinions on this subject.</p>
<p>To me your situation depends on whether or not you want to go to grad school. If you definitely have your heart set out on obtaining a graduate degree, I would say its worth it to pick a cheaper college to save money for a great grad school.</p>
<p>Going to a “better” school will give you more options and resources such as job recruitment and prestige, which does play a role in getting your first job. Which is why it is important to have some prospective on what you really want in life. If you want to just get out into industry going to a “better” school will take you there quicker - though I feel that you could get the same place with any degree, since past a certain point it will be work experience that weights more.</p>
<p>U of MN is definitely well known as your state’s flagship school. It will be known by recruiters outside of Minnesota (which is good since it gives you a wider set of jobs to look for). Again, this all comes down to what you want in life since I am sure St. Cloud is known within Minnesota and thus will give you great job prospects within Minnesota.</p>
<p>My suggestion? Visit both campuses and see where you feel that you could personally grow the most. I feel that the ability to grow has been downplayed so much on these forums and the world in general. Employers are taking more than just an employee with a fancy resume - they are taking a person who has experiences in life - an interesting person. </p>
<p>Personally I found being away from my parents to be something that has helped me really mature as a person. I went to a school far enough from home to have my parents leave me alone, but close enough to go back and forth to visit for a cheap bus ticket ride. In addition, I also considered rooming with my brother, who has been really awesome, helping me out along every problem that I have encountered. But don’t count of rooming with your sister - dorming is a great experience to get into the groove of school and finding groups to interact with - which is great for studying. Put that into your costs and see if that changes things around… Good luck!</p>
<p>What is your major? Is there a big difference in your employment prospects in that major if you study at one place or the other? </p>
<p>How much money, exactly, would you save by studying at St. Cloud? If you went to UM, would you have to take out a lot of student loans and/or work many more hours in a job in order to pay for your studies? </p>
<p>If St. Cloud means no college debt, and the job prospects are similar, this is a no-brainer.</p>
<p>Marketing, maybe communications. Both schools are also accredited by the same associations. It would probably end up being 25,000 more by the end of it. Half of the savings from St. Cloud comes from the fact I that I wouldn’t have to pay for housing. Housing in the twin cities is more expensive than st cloud anyway so If i would choose to live on or near campus, I would save money. </p>
<p>I guess I really don’t know if the job prospects are the same. I know that the U of MN has a better brand compared to st cloud. I supposed they would be in Minnesota, probably not so much abroad. </p>
<p>I have to take out loans for both schools unless I could get a loan from a family member. Thanks for your posts and sorry about the delay of this post.</p>