<p>I'm on a full ride, and the school I wanted to go to, which gave me a full ride last year as a freshman, is now costing me $6k a year (in loans). Is it worth it to give up a full ride at my current school and go to this new school for the above mentioned price. I figure with tuition increases and all, the next 3 years would cost me about 21k, as opposed to... well 0. I could apply to be an RA to offset living costs a year from now, but I am not guaranteed a spot.</p>
<p>What should I do? Should I stay one more year and then transfer? I am not doing so hot academically at my current school, but by no means am I "failing". Just average... and I am starting sophomore year.</p>
<p>Honestly I would look at the return on investment for switching schools. You could find a situation where you do better at the more expensive school and graduate sooner because you are enjoying it. With the earlier graduation you will be able to start earning sooner.</p>
<p>Things I would look at: 1. Is one school a better fit and would I feel more comfortable. 2. Does one of the schools have a better alum network or placement into a carer field or grad school I am interested in. 3. Would I loose any credits by transfering and end up costing more time or money in the long run. 4. Would i miss my current: friends, mentors, or program.</p>
<p>Why are you transferring? Is your current school an utterly horrible fit for you? Is the new school light years ahead academically? Or is it just to have a fancier name on your sheepskin?</p>
<p>as the black lab lover is saying, spending nothing is better than spending 18,000. Unless there is another really compelling reason to transfer. Like interships not available, hiring issues post graduation that are not present at the other school, or some other really big long term reason.</p>
<p>It really depends on the schools in question and the perceived “prestige” of both names. </p>
<p>If you were transferring from a state school to say, Harvard, I’d say that the 18k is a solid investment. </p>
<p>You say that you’re not doing so hot, academically, at your current school…are you saying that you want to transfer to an “easier” school with known grade inflation? If you’re not doing well at a challenging school, transferring won’t really change your study habits.</p>
<p>Both of the schools I am looking at ranked the same, except one is featured on the “colleges that change lives book”, and it was the better fit.</p>
<p>That being said, it is technically harder than my current school, just because it’s in a rural area so academics are VERY serious, BUT the student body is more focused on school and the professors really want to help.</p>
<p>I am transferring from a Private LAC to another Private LAC. And no debt is better than debt, BUT I would have a fresh start… and less distractions since I’d be in a rural area as opposed to a city with lots to do.</p>
<p>As you can tell, I am just all sorts of confused. :/</p>
<p>It sounds like you’re trying to convince yourself to transfer, but the money is an issue.</p>
<p>Could you get a job and offset the cost? $6k doesn’t seem like that much per year. I mean, you could make $3000 in a summer time earning minimum wage working full time.</p>