<p>I just got my financial aid package from NU, and I got $17,000 in scholarship and $2,000 in grants. Even with the aid, it would put me at about $130,000 in debt after my 5 years. </p>
<p>Northeastern is my clear #1 choice school, but I am just not sure if it is worth it. My second choice would be Madison, and it would be much more financially feasible and closer to home (I live in Milwaukee, WI). </p>
<p>Any input on my situation would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>Thanks a lot.</p>
<p>'Even with the aid, it would put me at about $130,000 in debt after my 5 years." </p>
<p>I’ve read a few posts about students considering debt over $100K. That sounds crazy to me. Is it even possible to get that amount of lstudent loan?</p>
<p>I chose between wisconsin and NU about 4 years ago, but i was an out-of-stater so there wasn’t much difference in price.</p>
<p>Wisconsin is a really, really good school. Obviously the feel is very different, Wisconsin is a big state school with super solid academics, some really smart kids, and the student body is very midwest/west coast liberal artsy/hippie/outdoorsy etc… and Madison is a pretty awesome college town. Northeastern is a little bit more New England, sorority, preppy with most students wanting a more practical, career oriented education, and it’s right in the middle of a big city.</p>
<p>I think I would have really loved wisconsin, and my life is really different for having come here rather than UW, but had I gone there, I’m sure I’d be just as happy. 100k is a lot of money, so unless getting out of state is really that important to you, I’m not sure it’d be worth it… Being 22/23 and being in that much debt will not be fun. Northeastern really is no better than Wisconsin (UW is probably a better school, depending on the education you’re looking for, and where you want to end up after you graduate), and people there are pretty happy. I just don’t know what NU offers that’s worth 100k when your other alternative is a school like UW.</p>
<p>Emily, do you regret having made the decision to go to NU as opposed to Wisconsin? What reasons made you decide in favor of NU and do you feel those reasons still hold true or given an opportunity, would you switch to UW Madison?</p>
<p>Thanks for the responses colorado_mom and Emily. After talking some with my family, the decision to go to Madison came pretty easily. $130,000 in debt not including interest would just be way too much for an undergraduate education, especially when I am expecting to go to graduate school, also.</p>
<p>I’m glad to have finally made my decision, and I can’t wait for the fall.</p>
<p>Thanks again!</p>