I am deciding between UCLA and Florida State. I live in Atlanta. UCLA is 3x te cost, but has such a great reputation and many opportunities. On the other hand, I am worried about leaving my parents and financial situations. Does anyone have advice?
What are you parents able to pay towards UCLA? You as a student can only take out a total of $27K for the 4 years of Undergrad. Are your parents willing to pay the additional costs or take out loans for you?
If it’s 3000 vs 9000 it’s one thing. If it’s 10k vs 30k it’s another. Depends on major. How much will you make after graduation which we don’t know. But if you’re planning on law school or getting an MBA then the extra costs are more meaningful. FSU has a lot of positive things going for it and is a dream school for others. UCLA is off the charts good these days so I get your dilemma. But part of life is making good choices. And that does not mean that l am advocating anything. I don’t know your financial situation or strengths.
The actual cost of attendance for each school is important.
FSU costs about $32,000 per year for non-residents; UCLA is $57,000 per year for non-residents.
Do you have any type of financial aid award at FSU that would lower the cost to $19,000 (one-third of UCLA) ?
Regardless of the answer, if you have to pay $57,000 plus annual tuition & housing increases each year for UCLA (about $240,000 for 4 years), it is too expensive versus about $80,000 for 4 years at FSU.