Good evening, May 1st is quickly coming, I’m still trying to decide where to go to school. I am stuck between Suny Maritime and The Citadel. I want to serve in the military after college, preferably in the Coast Guard or Marine Corps. The Citadel is where I want to go even though I’m from New York. Suny Maritime would be a lot more affordable, but something about The Citadel attracts me. I like the tradition and history at The Citadel. I also like the challenge of everyday life at the school. I would have to take out about 40k in student loans though, when Maritime would be a lot cheaper due to instate tuiton. Also Suny Maritime doesn’t have a track team while The Citadel does. At both I would major in Mechanical Engineering. I applied for an Nrotc scholarship but did not get it, but I received Congressional Nominations to Air Force and The Merchant Marine Academy. At The Citadel I would try to get a 3 year Marine Option scholarship, but if I didn’t I would most likely have to leave after my first year. So should I go to the more affordable one I don’t like as much or take on the extra debt? As soon as I heard about The Citadel I knew I would regret not taking the challenge. Both schools have a lot of great things about them, but my heart is set on The Citadel. Any info or opinions would be greatly appreciated, thank you for your time.
I think you should go to SUNY Maritime. The financials are a huge factor. That is important. Thank you for your (future) service. 
Are you planning on making the military a career? The Citadel has a big network in the military officer corp and you could likely find alumni mentors who can guide your career along and maybe even open some doors to plum assignments on the way to advancement. Just a thought.
Thank you for both replying so quickly! I agree that money is a huge factor. And both schools have great opportunities after graduation. I love challenges, so I just feel that if I didn’t go to The Citadel I would regret not having that experience. But at Maritime I would have minimal debt with great job placement. I just don’t know which would be more beneficial for a military career.
I know someone going to SUNY Maritime to get into a military-related career. I believe it will be fine for someone who wants to serve after college.
" I would have to take out about 40k in student loans"
You can’t borrow that much on your own. You are limited to the federal loan maximums of $5,500 freshman year, $6,500 sophomore year, $7,500 junior year, and $7,500 senior year unless the Citadel has also included Perkins loans in your package. To borrow more than the federal loan maximum (or federal plus Perkins) you will need someone to co-sign private loans for you, or your parents will need to take out PLUS loans.
If you do head into a military career after graduating, it probably will not be as well paid as the civilian equivalent. Those loans will be even more painful to pay off. You are fortunate to have SUNY Maritime as an option. My advice would be to go there.