<p>I also have a similar dilemma as the rest. I am majoring in Physics and have 2 choices left. UT Austin and Carnegie Mellon.</p>
<p>UT Austin
I was awarded an honor's program with the science college, basically I will be given honors classes and have to write a thesis paper as I graduate. Since I am instate tution is minimum (with scholarship) - $10000 per year with everything included</p>
<p>CMU
whatever I get at UT Austin I get it at CMU but the burden price tag (after aid) is $25000 per year. With few scholarship here and there on the first year leading to a price of $20 000. The physics department here is small roughly 50 students or so per level. Their research depend on their undergraduate's help = research is pleanty</p>
<p>I have visited both colleges and like both of them.
Is the price tag loan of 25 000 worth it, I also believe that I can continue to apply to scholarship in college and try to keep the cost low.</p>
<p>But aftering talking to both professors, both said that top graduating students will get a full ride at graduate schools.I am planning to go to graduate school.
So is the $100 000 +- few thousands debt worth it for the CMU name?</p>
<p>Unfortunately, I do not know anything about the programs at either school, how they compare, etc., but I do think $100,000 is far too much debt. Taxguy wrote a very comprehensive post about how the numbers work out, including the amount of payments, which will begin after graduation - I will try to find it for you and link it back here. </p>
<p>I do know that in general, UT Austin has an excellent reputation, and is very highly regarded. If you like the school and the professors, and if you are comfortable that you can achieve a fully funded position in graduate school from UT, then, I'd urge you to strongly consider it and avoid the overwhelming $100,000 debt. </p>
<p>The only other way I can think of that might make a difference - does CMU have any programs where you might get additional financial aid - such as departmental scholarships - once you're already in the school? Some departments do have this, and typically you become eligible in your sophomore year, and the awards are achievement-based (high gpas etc.). You might want to drill deeply into CMU's website to see if there might be some options...</p>
<p>Edited to add: here's Taxguy's post - scroll down to see how he breaks out the math: <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=326598%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=326598</a></p>