So I am an international students from a middle/low class family. I have been admitted to Macalester College and University of Richmond. Macalester give me financial aid but I have to take some loan and work during my academic year on campus to cover my financial need. And the univ does not give me money for my transport. This is the main issue about Mac that makes me doubtful about coming there. I will need to start my life with a loan after graduate or I can go outside the US to take my master program and apply for a grant to that I cannot pay for the loan(but I want to study in the US for master degree -_-) or I should go home (I dont want to, before I become a successful woman for my family).
However, as far as I know , Mac campus is really nice- the people (diversity) and the site and situation of the campus (in the city etc). I also found out that the student activities are more positive than those in Richmond. I cant really judge though, because I havnt been in both places.
On the other hand, richmond give me merit and financial based schoalrship… so my financial cover is not including loan and I dont need to work. (the salary that I get is mine, not for tuition). So basically as long as my academic performance is good, Richmond will keep my 110% financial aid, and they said that students there will get up to $4000 for research… the study abroad programs in Richmond is much better in terms of quantity and quality than those in Macalester… Richmond, which is in Virginia, is also warmer than Mac(well, weather is not really my concern but I would love to come to a warmer place as i come from a tropical country)…
But I heard that the student body in Richmond is not that positive as they have high interest (i mean as an ‘unusual’ level) in drinking and partying (I know this happening in many of univs in the US but I heard that it is kind of very very high University of Richmond. Besides, the students also really concern about fashion, body, and other things that I think as a ‘bit’ stupid. Those things what worried me alot…
I actually have a (psychological) need to go home at least once a year because my mother is sick and she is living alone since 2 years ago (I am studying abroad since 2013 and my dad passed away in 2011). So she wants me to come home at least once a year… it is not that im not independent. I only concern about things that I can do to make her happy in the rest of her life. And seeing her once a year is what she wants … hmm… so…
I need some responses/confirmation/additional information regarding
-what I know about these schools(things that I wrote above) - the good and bad things about each school.
-which school is better known in the US in terms of the quality of education that they offer
-which school is better for graduate school (or career)
-Whether I have to choose Macalester or Richmond.
Thank you so much for whoever that are willing and able to help me ! This is an important decision for myself, my family, and the rest of my life!!! 