Stevens or Binghamton? Help me decide please!

Colleges and Universities A-Z Binghamton University - SUNY
1

<p>I have narrowed my college decision down to Binghamton and Stevens Institute of Technology and am having trouble deciding which one to go to.
I live in southern NY, which puts me about 2 1/2 hours away from Bing and 1 1/2 away from Stevens. I plan on majoring in computer science and also playing the saxophone in music ensembles at either college.
I really like both schools, but liked Stevens a little better. It is my financial situation that is preventing me from deciding. With all of the scholarships I got from Stevens, the total cost is down to $33,000. I didn't get any scholarships from Bing, so that cost is about $23,000. I qualified for the $5500 federal direct unsubsidized loan at each school. Next year my brother will also be in college, so my EFC will be cut in half and I will qualify for more aid. I only have $3000 in my 529 savings plan and will probably get a few thousand dollars in scholarships from my school. I will definitely have to take out thousands of dollars in private student loans over the course of my college years.
I know Bing is cheaper, but Stevens has the co-op program and is regarded as a "better" university. Which one do you think I should choose? </p>

<p>Also, does anyone have any information to offer about private student loans?</p>

<p>I would really appreciate any help, advice, or info I could get about these schools or loans, as I'm really in a bind. Thank you!</p>

2

<p>Binghamton is not known for STEM.</p>

3

<p>Here it is in a nutshell. So long as Bing. has the areas of study that interest you, you go to the cheaper school because debt sucks. </p>

<p>Always look at net-cost, not the discount off the inflated sticker price. Treat the experience like your buying a new car.</p>

<p>You want to save money at Bing? Become an RA and get room and board for free.</p>

<p>Never, ever try to forecast your financial aid package for next year because there are too many variables that you don’t control.</p>

<p>I don’t consider Stevens $40,000 better than Bing over four years.</p>

4

<p>What about an alternative plan? Do to Binghamton and do very well. Transfer to Cornell mid freshman year. You want a decent STEM curriculum?</p>