I recently got my acceptance letter to Carlson as a transfer. I’m not sure if I’ll be receiving any aid yet, but have to make a decision by the May 1 deadline. Even if I do receive merit aid, I’m fairly certain that I only qualify for the 50% difference between IS and OOS. With the tuition hikes, that may bring the tuition and fees to slightly under 20k/year.
On the other hand, I received a very generous scholarship from UNL, which will cut down tuition and fees to ~8k/year.
I realize that Nebraska is the obvious choice here, and I’m more than happy to attend. However, I’m not totally convinced that Carlson isn’t worth the extra investment. My parents are able to afford both, though money is still a major consideration.
Any help at all would be greatly appreciated!
I come to this as a UMinn guy. That is where I started my college journey. I still love it there.
Small differences in cost are easily made up. Large differences are not. Even if your parents are paying and can afford it, you should be wise and choose the best overall value.
How long would it take to make up 24-48K in difference. A thing to remember in life, even if someone else is paying for something, be frugal with their money. Go to class, do your best and spend their money as if you worked 40-60 hours a week to get it like they likely did. Good Luck.
@Torveaux
Thanks for the response! I definitely agree with all your points and will likely submit my deposit to Nebraska later today. It’s the sensible decision, though a hard one nonetheless.
If your parents can afford it, the difference between Carlson - and its location in a thriving capital - make it worth it over Nebraska. In particular, you should be able to offset part of the cost via a paid internship next summer. Carlson career placement is really, really good and the University 's location, with more Fortune 500 HQ’s than anywhere else in the Midwest, make a difference in terms of career outcomes and experience .
@MYOS1634
Without a scholarship, Carlson would cost about 20k/year more than Nebraska. In terms of value, is Carlson that much better? Especially considering that both are flagship state schools in the Big 10.
If you don’t have the money, take Nebraska. It’s not bad per semester and you can succeed from there.
And of course if you don’t plan on working hard, using the career center, finding internships… No point in going to Carlson.
Can you parents afford 2years at Carlson ’ out of pocket ', without loans on your behalf? Are they willing to invest in you and are you ready to honor that investment by doing everything you can to make good on your potential?
If they can, if you are, yes there’s a big difference. Nebraska is among the lowest ranked in the Big10, Carlson is a powerhouse in the Midwest, at the top for student stats, so in terms of academics and networking there’s a difference, hence in outcomes. In addition to the school itself, there’s the environment : a thriving city with lots of paid internships vs. A nice, friendly college town, but not quite a major capital with a dynamic economy.
Will you make 20k/year more? Probably not. Will you get your investment back in a few years? Very likely.
However, look for facts, such as admitted students ’ stats. Look at percentage of students who graduate with at least one paid internship. Look at starting and mid career salaries on Payscale. Look at how many companies recruit during career fairs, and what companies recruit there.
You’ll see there’s a big difference.
But ONLY YOU AND YOUR PARENTS can decide if that difference is worth it in terms of costs.
@MYOS1634
Thanks for the detailed reply! I won’t be taking loans either way, and I’m certainly confident in my abilities to succeed wherever I end up going.
Does your opinion change at all if my intended major is accounting? From what I read, the Big 4 recruits pretty much everywhere, and that seems to be the plan at the moment.
Somewhat. Look at actual numbers to confirm differences. Overall Carlson remains in a better location with better students and more internship opportunities, but for recruiting it’s not as stark. I’d still go with Carlson if you can afford it though.
What are your parents saying?
Do you prefer Nebraska?
@MYOS1634
I’m blessed to have parents who truly want whatever I decide is the best for me. From a non-academic standpoint, I definitely would rather live in the Twin Cities.
I’ll look for those numbers, thanks!