I finally received my financial aid package from UMD, but the amount of debt I will have post-graduation is a little intimidating. I will be majoring in computer science (the main reason I applied to Maryland). However, I am out of state and I estimate that the debt I will have after graduation is about $65,000. My other option for college right now will leave me with a $25,000. It sounds like a no brainer, but I like UMD much better. I know no one can really tell me what the correct decision to make here is, but I am looking for some advice.
@mag3646 - Here are 2 recent threads that discuss your question. As a student you can only take out $27,000 in federal loans. Your parents would have to borrow the rest. Only you and your family can decide what is best.
What are your options in-state? Good CS programs are not uncommon- it’s probable that your state’s program is fine. What matters more is that you excel wherever you are. So much is made out of ratings and reputation- it’s in the schools’ best interest to emphasize their students’ successes (SAT scores, job or grad school placement) when it’s really the students themselves who excel, and would wherever they happen to be!