<p>I know Purdue is a top school for engineering, but as an out-of-state student I'd be looking at around $30000 a year in loans. At Tennessee, I'd still be out-of-state, but I'd be living with my dad and not having to pay for room and board. I also might be able to qualify for in-state tuition. It'd be significantly cheaper either way. I'm also familiar with Knoxville and know that I like it there. I'm from southern California and am kinda worried I might hate Indiana.
I'm a transfer student, so I'd only be there for 2-3 years tops, but graduating with $60-90k in loans isn't very exciting.
How much of a step-up will the Purdue degree be versus one from UT? Will it help me get a better job? If so, how much better?</p>
<p>I also got in to Virginia Tech, which I'm considering, but I've heard transfer housing is very hard to come by. So I'm not too sure about that.</p>