I’m 16 and graduating from high school in 4-5 months. I want to go to a college out of state, but I know it would be more expensive. I want to major in communications and minor in computer science (though I’m still a little unsure of it). I live in Michigan. I’ve applied to Michigan State University, University of Oregon, Oregon State, Washington State, and Temple University. I have almost 40,000 dollars saved up for college, 5,000 from Fafsa, which would only pay for a year in an out of state college.
The thing is, though, I do feel like I’m reaching far with these college. My cumulative GPA is 2.90. I got bad grades in 9th and 10th grade due to issues within my environment (family, school, etc. Just a lot going on). My GPA was a 4.0 in 11th grade, and its a 4.0 right now because I’ve been working really hard to get my life together. I really don’t know if they’ll consider the trend in my grades. My SAT score is 1190-- 590 math and 600 reading.
I’m kind of looking for opinions like–
Should I go to an out of state college or not? Do you think I’m reaching too far with these schools? What schools do you think I should apply to? etc. I’m lost on the college thing so, any answer will be nice. Thank you.
What will your parents pay each year? Are they on-board in paying for a OOS school? Did you run the net price calculators for all your schools? What is your cumulative GPA and test scores?
$45k may only fund one year of college OOS so what about the other 3 years?
You will not have the funds to go OOS. You only have funds for ONE year…then what? Come home and sit in your bedroom?
What did you get from filling out FAFSA? A $5500 loan?
Your GPA is too low anyway. Stay home, commute to a local CC, get great grades, save more money and then go OOS.
How were you able to save that much money when you’re only 16?
When do you turn 17? How much can your parents contribute? Do you live near East Lansing?
To answer your question, it sounds like you should go to an in-state college. If you get into Michigan State, it’s upwards of 24K a year, how much are your parents willing to pay and can you/your parents afford it? If not, got to CC, save some $$ and transfer.
Michigan State sounds like the only school on your list you could come close to affording if you get in. Even then, you could only cover 2 years with your current savings and federal loans, unless you can commute to campus or your parents will pitch in to help. Agree that 2 years at a CC and transferring to MSU is probably your most affordable plan if you can’t commute or get your parents to pay.
Do you have a drivers license? A car?
Illinois state could be a good school- on the cheaper side and you would get accepted,
I know there’s the appeal of going OOS, but none of the other schools on your list are worth the extra money over Michigan State if you get accepted there.