<p>Of course I'm going to ask many more people than just CC, but I wanted to get a wide range of opinions fast, and put some options in the running that I hadn't thought of, and this thread did just that. Thanks again, everybody.</p>
<p>People have given you a lot of good advice here about PhD programs, etc. But no one has answered your question - do college loans suck?? Yes, they really do. They can be a serious impediment to doing other things that will be important to you, such as buying a house, decent car and car insurance,marriage and kids, etc. ANd you need to pay for grad school (or some part of it).Unless you feel pretty certain you will make GOOD money when you finish school, be very careful about taking out too many loans. They can crush you.</p>
<p>I just skimmed the responses, but I thought I'd like to say that some colleges have a "5th year free program." I know Clark University does, where after 4 years there, you can receive a Master's for free. :D It was named one of the Hottest Research schools too. </p>
<p>There are programs like that, and combo programs too that you can look into to save some money. I'd also look into scholarships, like now. Local ones especially.</p>
<p>Yes, they do suck. Big time. I think that the college loans were a big factor that kept us from getting off to a good start in adulthood, and ultimately from achieving our financial goals. Part of the problem is that you need to repay your loans just when you want to buy a home, buy a car, get married, have children, etc. And your first job income may not be enough to support all of these simultaneous needs. Behind the eight ball is definitely no place you want to be.</p>
<p>aroundthecorner, Wesleyan has a similar program in some of the sciences. 5th year free to get a master's.</p>
<p>fullfreighty - If Im reading your original post correctly, you are only giving yourself 2 options: the big name big bucks grad school or the no name pay-as-you-go grad school. Would it be detrimental to your future career if you took one or two years off, got a job and saved your money? IMHO, I suggest you move back home and seek a science teaching position at a private middle or high school. Im not sure a public school would allow you to teach without a teaching certificate. Taking a year or two off would give you time to show growth and maturity as well as save money for the prestigious high priced graduate school.</p>