I’m between Lehigh University and the University of Maryland. I got admitted to Lehigh for Engineering, but for undecided at UMD (I’m dumb and indecisive lol) and now if I go there I can’t change my major until my sophomore year. Lehigh costs $69,000 in total per year and UMD is $52,000. My parents are giving me $200k for all 4 years and the rest I have to take out in loans. If money wasn’t an obstacle I’d 100% go to Lehigh, what should I do?
What area of engineering are u looking to study?
My son has similar choice with additional schools in mix. Would be great to hear outside opinions.
@j7thletter I’m leaning towards aerospace, although I’m not sure. What about him?
Leaning towards Bioengineering.
UMD and Lehigh both have nice programs in both.
But schools are very, very different.
UMD seems to have a larger expanse of socio-economic and ethno diversity which is a great plus for us
And a nice merit package.
Lehigh IBE
has nice track record of job placement.
He has to figure it out.
@DollyParton - University of Maryland–College Park is ranked #12 nationally in Aerospace Engineering. Lehigh is not rank because they do not offer a degree in Aerospace Engineering, only a minor.
Also, it is possible to apply for an Internal Transfer after your first semester, per the following
Transfer Admission Requirements:
Students beyond their first semester and those off campus wishing to transfer are required to meet the following gateway criteria:
Completion of MATH 141 (Calculus II) with a minimum grade of B-
Completion of PHYS 161 (Physics I) with a minimum grade of B-
Completion of either CHEM 135 or CHEM 271 or CHEM134 with a minimum grade of C-. (Students who take CHEM134 must also have completed CHEM131 with a minimum grade of C-.)
Bioengineering students must also complete BIOE 120 with a minimum grade of B-.
A minimum grade point average of 3.0 in all courses taken at the University of Maryland and all other institutions is required for internal and external transfer students
https://www.lep.umd.edu/engr-lep.pdf
However, fit is an important factor in making your final decision.
Ty SoofDad any other insights greatly appreciated!
My D attended UMD but not for Engineering. @maryversity who posts frequently on the UMD forum here has a wealth of knowledge regarding the Engineering program at UMD
http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/university-maryland-college-park/
If you are eligible to file the FAFSA, you can access federal student loans that come to a four-year total of $27,000. Anything beyond that would mean that your parents need to borrow the money or co-sign for it. The freshman loan is $5,500. If you are eligible to work in the US, you can make another $3,000 or so with summer jobs and part-time school year jobs. How would you come up with the rest of the difference for Lehigh?
Right now UMD-CP is the only affordable option for you. Frankly, however, I have to ask where else you applied. If you are a US resident and eligible for in-state tuition and fees at a home-state public U, did you apply there as well? Were you admitted? What would your costs be?
Money is part of the decision process for most college students. Where would you get the extra $80k to attend Lehigh? You can’t borrow that amount on your own – would your parents be willing and able to take out that type of loan for you? As I see it UMD is the only affordable option – you could graduate with little or now debt. And as a bonus UMD is an excellent school in your field of study.
Note that the answers haven’t changed since the last time you asked. http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/2127585-taking-out-loans-or-going-to-a-less-expensive-school.html#latest