So college decision day is coming quickly, and I still am torn in half of whether to go to Michigan or Michigan State to study kinesiology. I have visited both campuses multiple times and have come to the conclusion that I love MSU’s campus and UM’s is just okay. Ever since I was little I have wanted to go to MSU. However, I am only getting $2000 a year from MSU and UM is offering me full tuition,and I am severely worried about debt. I am aware that UM is a more prestigious school, but for some reason I just love Michigan State. I am torn in half about what to do…there’s no wrong decision…I am just looking for some guidance.
Free is hard to beat, and that sounds like a significant difference financially. UM seems like the better choice unless they differ in some other significant way.
Oh my…Michigan is a better school in general…and you get to go for free? I would let MSU know this. Perhaps they will match it as UM is a much higher ranked school and they may want to steal you away from UM?
Michigan seems like the logical choice… but something about MSU is just not letting me make the choice. I have talked to MSU and all they could give me is $2000 per year
For anyone not attached to MSU, this would be a very simple decision.
Michigan is $50K cheaper for your degree (in-state) . That represents years of extra work to pay off your student loans.
Michigan has nicer dorms and better food.
Michigan has better academics and research, (except for agriculture, animal, and physics) and smarter students.
MSU has a more cohesive campus. Michigan has 3 separate campuses connected by bus.
Michigan has the #2 rated college town in the USA with far more cultural activities than E Lansing. You will never be bored.
Michigan has > 50% OOS and international students, which will expand your horizons.
Lansing has government stuff.
Sports have the great rivalries of Dantonio vs Harbaugh, Belein vs Izzo, etc, etc. Overall, Michigan is better and has better facilities.
So I suggest you be like a friend who attended MSU, and rooted for Michigan.
Go to Michigan, and root for MSU.
With finances a concern and a a full tuition scholarship offer from UM, I’d learn to love the maize and blue!
I think you are letting sports/childhood loyalty overrule your head. Go to Michigan. This is a no-brainer…
My daughter was crazy about MSU also, but she is now attending University of Minnesota because they gave her a ton more scholarships. Looks like U Michigan is your best option financially (aside from prestige issue). What is the GPA requirement to keep that full tuition scholarship? Is it reasonable considering your major? If you think you can keep the scholarship, I would recommend U Michigan, and possibly considering MSU for grad school.
As for debt, undergrads are limited to $5,500-$7,500 a year in student loans, and anything over that will be a loan to the parents, basically. Are your parents eager to take on that much debt for your undergrad degree, while you turn down a full tuition scholarship to a higher ranked university? I am middle aged and just finished paying for my law school student loans, and I can tell you debt is no fun, and student loans cannot be wiped out by bankruptcy or any other financial crisis. Because of my example, graduating debt-free is one of my daughter’s top priorities. If you read the news about the misery of millennials who are saddled with student loans and have to live with their parents well into their 20s and 30s, you will also conclude that graduating debt-free should be a priority for you.
Congratulations on your scholarship to U Michigan! That’s a great achievement.