My son has always wanted to be a Spartan. His first acceptance was to Michigan State. Since then, MSU has been in the news daily with the Larry Nassar scandal, the NCAA problems, ongoing investigation among administration, resignations, etc. He has narrowed down his choice between MSU and James Madison (which pleasantly surprised us when we visited). I am a Spartan alum and loved my years there but the scandal has devastated me. Now we are so conflicted about paying out-of-state tuition to a school that is in so much turmoil and a reputation that will be tarnished for a long time. MSU is a nationally ranked university, JMU is regional. Is the choice a no brainer? I don’t know. My son is so torn. Decision day is fast approaching and we just don’t know what to do. Can anyone kindly offer any advice?
I am sure all the hard-working staff and profs would be disappointed and sad to read this thread…not to mention the 40,000 current students and soon to be students all who had nothing to do with the Dr or his boss or the gyms or USA Gymnastics. Your son needs to make his own decision if media attention will be too distracting this year or make him feel badly about himself.
My daughter was choosing between Michigan State and University of Michigan. The scandal did not play into the pros and cons of the school at all. If it had cost us less for her to go to State, she would be going there, because she was really drawn to that campus. Only you and your son can decide if you are going to let it bother you enough to stay away. I don’t think anyone really knows how long term or far reaching this scandal is going to be.
There have been, unfotunately, other colleges with scandals. Duke, Penn State, for example.
I really don’t think the quality of education has suffered at any of these universities.
I will say…I’m from CT and there are kids from here who absolutely love JMU.
Thank you to you all for your feedback! It really helped.