<p>I’m from California and been to both Seattle and Tuscaloosa (Seattle twice, Tuscaloosa three times). In response to your questions:
If you have to take on $80,000 in debt, no. </p>
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Yes. If you wanted to pay your loans back in ten years, you’d have to pay at least $924/month. Keep in mind that you’ll also need to pay for rent, utilities, furniture, food, transportation, possibly health care, saving for disasters/ retirement/ any unexpected life events, and general entertainment. </p>
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2/3 students are not in greek life, and even the ones that are do study. In fact, some of the most successful engineering majors at my school are in fraternities and sororities. Also remember that most students at big state schools are not spending M-Sun constantly buzzed. Even the most party hardy students only go out after 11pm or so Thursdays through Saturdays. Plus engineering students generally don’t drink nearly as much as say, communications majors. </p>