Top Tier One (UVa) or Tier Three (George Mason) college. (name vs cost).

<p>Hey guys. I am in a serous dilemma about what college I should attend. This is mainly a question of finances and the pay off from attending one college over another. Right now I am a Freshman studying Engineering at UVa. As many of you know, UVa is the second best public school in the country and 25th overall. I think UVa is great. If a graduate in four years, I will be $31,000 in debt and my parents $40,000. </p>

<p>Obviously this is a big number so i wa thinking of transferring. I live 40 minutes away form a college called George Mason. I did some research and figured out that if I go to mason, I can graduate in 3 years. I can also commute to college, saving money. If i go to Mason, I will be $10,000 in debt and my parent's $25,000.</p>

<p>So UVA Total debt- $71,000
George Mason total debt- $35,000.</p>

<p>Thats a $36,000 difference and an extra year. In that year I can get a job and essentially pay off all my debts i the same time i would off graduated at UVA. Also, I would graduate Mason at 20 years old, UVa at 21 year old.</p>

<p>SO my question is, what should i do. I like UVa alot and since its one of the top in the nation, should i stay. Will going to a tier 3 college like Mason hurt my chances of a job and long term future. I want to eventually get an MBA and a top Business School. This means that I'll accumulate more debt but have a better chance? Please provide me with some input!</p>

<p>What is your major? You state that you live 40 minutes from GMU, why not attend one of Northern Virginia Community Colleges available in your area?</p>

<p>Hmmm…I think it may be worth the debt. I know quite a few people who were very unhappy at George Mason…</p>