This might seem like a silly question but I’m still debating it. I received a near 4-year full ride to my #2 school but I also got accepted to my #1 school and got enough money to pay off my tuition fees for my first year only. Apart from that, at my #1 school, I will have to work to pay off my room and board. It seems to me that my #2 school is obviously the better choice but I love my #1 school and have always wanted to go there my entire life.
No clue without more details (about goals, major, why you have the preference you have, and strengths/weaknesses of the 2 schools).
Only receiving enough money for the first year would make #1 a “no” for me. Having to work for room and board would confirm that for me. Your #2 school is still a preference for you and they love you back. Full ride to a school you picked? Heck yeah! I’m all over that!
What will be your loan balance when you graduate from #1 school?
Being at a school you love but being stressed, broke, and struggling to balance work and studying is not s great thing.
How much worse is school #2 really? Does it meet your academic and career goals? Is the campus safe and reasonably maintained? Are there campus activities and a student community to be a part of? Other than, “but I got into school #1!” what are the drawbacks?
Did you just get accepted from the waiting list? If so, how long do you have to make your decision?
Your room and board will be due before you start or in monthly payments that come quickly after you start. You can’t borrow enough to cover room and board so if your parents can’t pay, school 2 probably isn’t an option. If you started at school 2 and had to drop out due to finances, that would be an issue. Try to find things to love about the affordable school.
@austinmshauri - I think you confused #1 and #2.
You will love your #2 school too, once you commit emotionally to going there. If you are being offered what is essentially a full ride, you probably will be given other opportunities there as well. Think alumni networking, internships, etc. You will be free from serious financial difficulties, which will allow you to enjoy the entire college experience.
I think that we need more information before giving an informed opinion. However, for most students their #2 schools is academically very close or indistinguishable from #1, and either would be a good place to study and live for four years. If this is true for you too, then go where the money is (or where the cost isn’t).
If you want more confidence in the answer, then you need to tell us more.
A full ride for four years is going to feel mighty good when you graduate four years from now with a good degree and no debt, after talking to friends and acquaintances who will be paying off their debt for years.
@TQfromtheU, Thank you. You’re absolutely right. I meant the school offering the best aid is the better option. The other doesn’t seem affordable at all.
I think if OP has to work to cover room and board for 3 years at one school, it doesn’t appear that his parents can afford to help. OP, what are the 2 schools and what’s your net cost at each? How much can your parents afford to pay per year?