<p>So right now I'm torn between going to WashU and Maryland. WashU has a nicer campus and gives a better education, and costs so much more than Maryland. My parents say that if I go, we have to be more aware of our purchases and that I may have to take on as much as $20000 in debt (tuition $30000/yr) when i graduate (but prolly less).
If I go to Maryland, i'd pay $7000/yr, could ease the financial burden on my family, graduate debt-free, and could take more low-paying internships or study abroad programs, but the atmosphere isnt as nice, and the college town is terrible, the campus is huge, and i feel like i probably wouldnt be as motivated to work as hard just b/c of the "oh im in CP" mentality.</p>
<p>My parents tell me that I shouldnt make money the deciding factor in my decision, and that i should pick the school where im happiest, but i'd feel so horrible if i threw away all that money for maryland and it turns out washu isnt worth it. So in terms of education, job placement, environment, etc, which do you think would be the wiser choice?</p>
<p>thanks so much!</p>
<p>I saw the price of WashU and I was like WOW.....its a really good school but that kind of money isint worth when u can go to UMD which is a really good school....dont look at rankings UMD is on top with the top....only bad thing I HATE about UMD is its effing Cramped....what is it 26 thou</p>
<p>Double check the total costs for Wash U. My older child is is a sophomore there. You are looking at closer to $50,000 a year when you factor in all costs. Don't forget airfare to and from campus several times a year, plus cab or shuttle costs to and from the airport, which although minimal, do add up over the years. </p>
<p>Your parents will want to come to at least the first Parents' Weekend, plus they'll need a hotel when they bring you and your gear to orientation. Then there are storage fees for all your things over the summer. Even if your parents do not visit again, they will want to attend your graduation.</p>
<p>After your first two years, you'll most likely need to move out of the South 40 because they are trying to reserve it for Freshmen and Sophomores. Housing costs in the Village are astronomical. Check out the costs on the residential life website. Also keep in mind that doubles and triples are not usually an option after the first two years.</p>
<p>However, if you move off campus after your sophomore year, your housing fees will probably be substantially lower.</p>
<p>Good luck with your decision.</p>
<p>Moving off campus after your Sophomore year would probably save substantial costs.</p>
<p>Since you're applying to business schools, also consider where you'd like to work once you graduate. If this is a concern, you are more likely to be recruited by firms in the geographic area where the school is located. This is even true of summer internship recruitment.</p>
<p>applicant12 - i do realize how much washu costs. i also took into account my dad's work benefits (half tuition), national merit, summer work this year, work study, etc, which amounted to my paying ~30000/yr. i dont think storage and plane tickets are that bad (plus my dad has lots of frequent flyer miles =D). </p>
<p>worrywart - that's my other main reservation about washu. i never got the feeling that there's all that much opportunity IN st. louis itself, so thats a big concern, while umcp is relatively close to many metropolitan areas.</p>
<p>playaX01 - it IS cramped! and huge at the same time!</p>
<p>thanks for all the input guys! i would love more if anyone has any =)</p>