<p>Okay, so this isn't a matchup you hear often. I can't chosoe between these two, these are the only schools I got actually accepted to out of the 11 that I applied to (disregarding a guaranteed transfer to SUNY - ESF). I've been asking literally everyone I know about this, please help me decide!!!</p>
<p>I live in NY, so I have instate tuition at SUNY Geneseo. Its a liberal arts college thats pretty small (about 5K people) and it regarded as one of the best "value" schools (9th) in the country and best in New York according to Kiplinger as far as how much you pay for the quality of education. Estimated TOTAL costs were only like $21,000. I think its the best state school in NY and its been called the Public ivy (although others would give binghamton that title). They have a reputation for being selective at 43% acceptance rate. I do believe the education is great and I hear its hard. I hear theres very little to do on campus and its in the middle of nowhere, and the latter is nowhere near as much as a problem. Has practically no diversity.</p>
<p>U of Colorado at Boulder is like the opposite. I don't get in state tuition and its CRAZY expensive at an estimated $50,000 TOTAL cost of attendance. I would have to take 20k of loans a year. Its a huge school of 30k kids and is freaking beautiful in the rockies. There's a lot of hiking and biking opportunities which I love, amazing weather/300 days of sunshine, and has a raging party scene which is awesome too. There's a lot more happening on campus here than geneseo. Having said that Cu boulder is at 80 something % acceptance rate which is double geneseo, and has a party school reputation. I'm not one to care about reputation too heavily and I do hear the academics are still strong at CU. Also has almost no diversity. </p>
<p>So you're probably thinking, the answer is obvious, go for the frugal Geneseo right? The problem is, they don't have the major I want, which is Environmental science. They have a minor, but not a major. CU boulder on the other hand does have Env Sci program which I hear is great AND an Environmental Design/Architecture program which I would consider double majoring in. I'm thinking, what good is a college degree if it's not in the area of study I want?</p>
<p>Truth is I'm still not 100% sure I will end up majoring in Env Sci either, more like 70% sure. I feel passionately for the cause but who knows what I'll think in 2 years after trying out the courses? It's almost like this desicion requires me to know what I want to major in NOW, cause 20k a year is on the line if I take the risk on env sci at CU, but if I go with the safe cheap option at geneseo that will leave me in no debt, I'd be barring myself from even pursuing env Sci. This is too stressful. </p>
<p>I hope whoever reads this was able to follow all that. PLEASE HELP ME WITH MY DECISION. I've had people I know take both sides</p>
<p>My D started out in Environmental Science, and transferred into engineering. The extra money for Colorado is not worth it, especially since you may not stay with your intended major. Surely there are other colleges that have your major at a more reasonable cost. Go to Geneseo, and find out what you really want to major in. Then, if you have to transfer, do so.</p>
<p>Geneseo first. Find your path, save your $$.$$ and then go your way towards what you really want to do. Geneseo is in the Finger Lakes Region. Parks, hiking, sunsets, etc no prob. Party? Every school has it. Geneseo just opened up a multi million dollar Science building. Env Sci? Minor and go forward. Good luck and enjoy yourself. It goes fast.</p>
<p>haha shouldn’t be surprised with the answers I got from this forum. </p>
<p>Thank you Fly, as much as I dont want to transfer that may be the right answer here. that idea sounds very practical</p>
<p>Collegeyears, thanks for ur opinion, nice to hear about those things in geneseo.i hear a minor is worth basically nothing however, especially for grad school (which I do plan on going onto sometimes later in my 20s)</p>
<p>I know i’m not sure of my major because how can I be sure how I’ll feel in 2 years, but as of RIGHT NOW I can’t see myself going into a career path outside of environmental science. i admit however this is based on no experience of actually studying it. but even so, thats where the center of the conflict is. so when you say “minor in env sci and just go forward” it pretty much sounds like give it up, though not sure if thats what u meant </p>
<p>Are you interested in environmental science or environmental studies? I ask because the minor offered at Geneseo is in environmental studies. For grad school a bio major and environmental studies minor might pair well if you are looking to pursue environmental SCIENCE at the next level.</p>
<p>To me this is a no-brainer. Save the money and stay out of debt while figuring out what you want to do at a top notch undergraduate college. As others have noted, if you love the environment Geneseo is actually located in a pretty interesting natural area.</p>
<p>How are you even thinking about paying for CU? You are only going to be allowed to take out $5500 in Stafford loans in your own name. Are your parents paying for $30K of CU and telling you the rest is up to you? Can they comfortably afford that $30K? Did you get $30K of fin aid to that school? </p>
<p>The fact of the matter is that if you want to go there, your parents are going to have to borrow the money for you other than that $5500 of Staffords. Are they in the position to do this, as it will go on their credit records, and can affect their financial flexibility. If you are looking at cosigned loans, don’t fool yourself, it’s their necks they want in the vise, not yours. Yours is just for good measure. Cosigning means you are equally on the hook for the rest of your lives individually or until the loan is paid off. You are talking $80K here at least for 4 years of CU, and are your parents borrowing any of that $30K that is covered? </p>
<p>For the same money, CU would be a great experience, but that small matter of $80K+ is a sticking point. Going there is not worth that kind of debt and with the interest meter ticking the instant you take out that loan, you are talking a lot more than $80K, plus prices go up. Housing in Boulder is not cheap so saving in later years going off campus is not a likely option. i know kids who have gone there and it is not an inexpensive experience.</p>
<p>Once you finish college, you can take grad school courses in areas where you have identified your interest. In some disciplines there will be stipends for this. In others you might need to take out loans to get what you need. You don’t have much flexibility when you have $80K of debt on your back with Sallie Mae pounding on it. The interest rates are no great deals either. You are 18 and could change your mind many times over. If you do well at Geneseo, and maintain your interest in env science, a transfer to ESF might be something to consider. </p>
<p>We are lucky as New Yorkers to have these options in state at affordable prices and have these schools still accessible to us. Take advantage of this.</p>
<p>While env science is a nice major, it often is a bit general. You are not really an expert/specialist at any one thing related to the environment which can be a problem when looking for jobs. </p>
<p>I would seriously consider a major in geology with the minor in env studies. Take your geology electives from courses relating to the environment. You will have many more career options with a geology degree and it is great prep for an advanced degree in env engineering/science.</p>
<p>From the Geneso website…</p>
<p>GSCI 347 : Groundwater Hydrology
The study of the origin and occurrence of groundwater and of those principles of fluid flow in porous media which govern the flow of groundwater. The hydraulic properties of groundwater systems and water wells, the relationships between groundwater and other geological processes, the development of groundwater resources, water quality, recharge of groundwater, and solute transport are emphasized.</p>
<p>GSCI 335 : Global Climate Change
The study of fundamental concepts of global-scale environmental and climatic changes in the context of Earth-surface processes and Earth history.</p>
<p>surprised how unanimous this is, but this thread has been somewhat of a reality check.</p>
<p>for some reason at the same time, my mom is very optimistic about paying for Colorado somehow? she thinks I can take loans im pretty sure. but i wouldnt want to deal with that</p>