I’m a highly competitive HS Senior from MD, and struggling on whether to apply early to UM when I have a surefire UMD option at little or no cost. I don’t think Michigan would be insanely expensive for me, but outside of some crazy scholarship I’m unaware of it’ll be costing me 35k+ a year.
Now, the application fee is pretty tiny in the grand scheme of things, and I could afford it, but I’m already applying to a good amount of schools and I hate spending more than I have to. I know Michigan has some incredible programs, and loads of resources to help me pursue my main interests (neuroscience, psychology), but I just don’t have enough perspective on anything to make an intelligent decision. Does anyone have a strong argument for UM attendance? Is the prospect of having UM as an option so important as to make an application always worth it?
Thanks a lot.
What does the net price calculator show for Michigan? It is more than $35K/year full price.
I get a net price of ~$55k, and around $5k a year in scholarships this far to help. Still, I filled in the numbers by memory and my financial situation is messy so I’m expecting to pay anywhere from $40k to full price, as relayed by my counselor.
Are you planning on grad or med school? If so, save your money and stay in state. UMD CP is a great school.
Thanks for your input, yes, I am 100% planning on a higher degree, probably a STEM Ph.D. I see what you’re saying there.
The same argument probably applies to most of the privates on your list.
Yeah, which is why it’s no be-all-end-all. I’m trying to weigh the value of the education and experience with the price and other negatives. Schools like Chicago and Harvard give you a top-notch education and a ton of even more intangible benefits, but it’s all a balancing act in terms of where to make a decision. I’m just assessing my options from most unsure to most sure.
I’d love to hear an argument in favor of going to Michigan, a lot of things about the school compel me.
With the information you have given I would also favor UMD (assuming CP?) But, we are missing some key information, notably will your family be able to pay $220K+ for Michigan (NPC $55K from post #2) or would you/your parents have to take out loans? If so, how much?
I also believe that there are intangible benefits to top tier schools, such as your examples of Harvard and Chicago. However, as your projected path is a PhD, those benefits are typically not enough to overcome a difference in cash outlay of $200K+. If you do well at UMD, you will be able to get into top tier STEM PhD programs. If you do well at Michigan, you would also be able to get into the same top tier PhD programs, but would have spent a lot more money to realize the same outcome. Unless money is no object, I would advise you to choose UMD.
I also concur with @GoBlue81 that this calculation likely applies to any school on your list that would cost materially more than UMD, again assuming a PhD will be your likely path.
@Mwfan1921 I appreciate your response very much, I’m getting a much better sense of my situation now. My family could pay without loans, for sure, but I’m pretty happy with the Maryland (yes, forgot to mention College Park) option.
Thanks again.