I just found out that I got the Eminence Fellowship at Ohio State, which is a full ride (tuition, room and board, books, and $3000 stipend, and reimbursement for enrollment fee and housing deposit). I was also accepted to some more “prestigious” top-30 schools, but they are all very expensive. What do you guys think would be best for my future? Will it be harder to get into a top-tier grad school if I go to Ohio State? Also, do you guys think it’s worth it to give up my dream school for a free education? I have to choose soon and I’m really worried!!
P.S. I know I shouldn’t make life decisions based on CC threads. Just interested in outside opinions.
First of all, Congratulations on your full ride to Ohio State and your acceptance to other wonderful universities!
Would attending the Top 30 schools end up putting you in debt? Ohio State is still an amazing school, don’t discount that. Taking this full ride would give you the chance to complete your undergrad debt-free, then potentially attend one of the other schools you are currently considering for your graduate degree. Going into grad school debt-free would give you a huge advantage in your future. And, depending on your field, the school you earn your Masters/PhD from will hold more weight than where you did your undergrad.
You will have absolutely no issues being admitted to the very best graduate schools in the nation from OSU, given that you have the qualifications. If you work in the summers you have the chance to exit your undergrad cash positive. This will also give you the option to pay for a masters, professional, or non-funded Ph.D. program with the money you saved on undergrad.
Whether it is worth paying extra for your dream school is something only you and your family can answer. But attending a big D1 sports school also has its advantages and as your are an Eminence scholar you will get special treatment. Big public universities groom future academics through their honors colleges with priority access, mentoring, tutoring, and even special lounges/offices and social events.
Our D was very, very disappointed when we pulled schools off her accepted list for being either unaffordable or not worth $X more than the full ride on the table.
She’s finishing her first year at the full ride school. An OOS public flagship. She was unhappy at first, and now she seems to have hit her stride. Lots of opportunities have already presented themselves. She is going to graduate without debt. This school is going to get her the degree she wants in the field she wants and more.
Congrats on the Fellowship! It sounds like an amazing opportunity.
Thanks for the input. After talking with my parents, I’ve decided to commit to Ohio State. I’m really excited!! My major is linguistics, and Ohio State has one of the best ling programs in the country. Also, my parents said that the only full-cost schools they’d allow me to go to (now that a full ride to a great school is available) are HYP, which I didn’t even apply to. They also said they’d chip in for grad school so I’m set with my decision.
Great news! So glad that you and your parents decided on what is best for your family. Graduating debt free is a gift you are giving yourself which will last your whole life. Years from now you will look back and say it was a wise decision, and a smart investment (saving what you would have spent, keeping options open for later).