Should you always go to the best overall college that you can afford?

College Search & Selection
8

<p>USNWR’s Rankings are the definitive source for undergraduate rankings. There are a lot of rankings out there, but few people use anything other than US News. </p>

<p>The question is usually how much can someone afford. I am in the camp of go to the best school you get into, in the geographic region you would like to live, that you can afford without taking out loans. So three parts

  1. Highest ranked school
  2. in the part of the country you want to live, now or future (either)
  3. that you can afford without taking out loans</p>

<p>The last prong is what sends a lot of kids to state schools in middle or southern america, as they can’t afford to go to the prestigious private coastal schools. It is difficult, but I don’t think people should take out loans for UG. I think I am in the minority on this one though.</p>