Public vs. Private Costs?

<p>My college choices are down to two schools: One is a large public university where I would be in their Business Honors Program and have access to a great business school and in-state tuition. My other option is a smaller private university where I would also be in their Business Honors Program and have access to a great business school and a location that is perfect for internships and jobs.</p>

<p>My problem comes down to price and personal preference. I love the private school. The campus is perfect, the location is close to home (big plus for me and my parents), I'm a little undecided whether I fit with the school socially, but I'm sure I'll find people like me, and finally the education itself is fantastic…the only problems is the price. My family and I have done a lot of research and the cost, adjusted for future tuition increases, is a little above 160k for 4 years, 40k/year. </p>

<p>The public school is pretty close to the complete opposite of the private school. I'm not a big fan of the campus, the school population is huge, and the location isn't ideal, but the Business school and the school network is really great, so is the sports, and I really like their business honors program, its more in-depth than the one at the private school. The cost is a benefit because it will be around 105k for 4 years, around 26k/year.</p>

<p>My question comes down to what you think is the better option based on the price. My family and I can afford to pay all 160k with a combination of savings and work at the private school; however, it is more than my parents wanted to spend and I won't be able to do a lot of other things, like study abroad and such. At the public school, my parents and I can pay for it all and they are willing to give me the extra money after I graduate that I would have needed at the private school. So I might have the opportunity to use close to 50k to begin my life. </p>

<p>What do you think? </p>

<p>It really depends on the schools you are considering, but it is unlikely that the private school is worth $160k more than the public school.</p>

<p>So you are talking about a potential $55,000 difference. Do you have the official financial aid offers/ bills from the schools? Do you have potential scholarships at your high school or in your community that might help? Double check about study abroad, sometimes it can be less expensive than studying at the home college. When the final numbers are in, compare again. Also, visit each school, talk with students and professors about their business programs. Gather as much relevant information as possible, this should help you make the best decision possible.</p>