<p>I'll make this as brief as possible and thanks for responses and feedback in advance!</p>
<p>Home state is Michigan, graduated HS top of class and went to Michigan State University.. never too fond of the experience there and terrible family situations (cancer to both parents) forced me to responsibly take a short leave from the school to tend to my family financially and emotionally.</p>
<p>Ready to finish my degree in management now and am juggling two options.. </p>
<ol>
<li><p>Wayne State University in Detroit, MI ~ average business school but basically free to attend with aid + scholarships + in-state tuition</p></li>
<li><p>Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN ~ top 5 management school but even with aid will cost in the $20,000 range of loans PER year</p></li>
</ol>
<p>My goals are much higher than a bachelors and without question I want to attend the best graduate program I can following the completion of my undergrad program..</p>
<p>Money is now a HUGE concern following the medical situations my family has gone through as we basically have none to commit to my education.</p>
<p>So what's the best option here, Wayne or Purdue???</p>
<p>Thanks again everyone, I really appreciate it!!!</p>
<p>Money is a huge concern so you’re wondering if you should unnecessarily spend $80,000?</p>
<p>That’s great that you were able to help your family in the recent horrible times, and great that you took leave responsibly instead of just wandering off. You’re obviously capable of getting a great education out of an average school.</p>
<p>I know it may seem like a dumb question or an obvious answer for majority of people but the thing really holding me back is the fact that I’m a pretty bright guy with the chance to attend one of the elite programs in the country and I REALLY feel like I’d just be settling or taking the easy way out by attending the average school for a low price tag…</p>
<p>Will Purdue lead to a job that will allow me to pay back those loans in the future? Yes absolutely</p>
<p>Will the job I get from Purdue lead to a better chance at grad school or a job THAT much better than which I would receive with my Wayne State diploma? I have no clue, which leads to my dilemma</p>
<p>Unfortunately, finances is a part of the equation in choosing a college. I would first try to contact Purdue, tell them your story, and see if you can get more aid (doubtful, but worth a call). If that fails, I would suggest you go to Wayne State. It does not make sense to go heavily into debt for an undergrad education, especially if you have an eye towards grad school. If you go to Wayne State, the idea would be to EXCEL at all you do – academics as well as extracurricular activities. If you can do that, you will not be taking the easy way out. An excellent record at college combined with your compelling story should give you a shot at a very good grad program. Feel proud of what you did to help your family, and, if you end up at Wayne State, go there feeling proud that you earned the scholarships you need to get a free college education. That is a tremendous accomplishment. Here’s hoping you have happier times ahead!</p>
<p>It is quite unfortunate but an absolute reality to the millions of college students around the country… which I completely understand and clearly relate to. </p>
<p>I’ve been in constant contact with Purdue Fin. Aid and they truly have been extremely helpful to me. It’s just the fact that out of state tuition is a whopping $42,000 a year! Makes me cringe even typing the figure…</p>
<p>The undergrad vs graduate debate is probably endless but the consensus seems to be saving money for grad school and attending the best possible institution is much more heavily weighted than where you attended undergrad - so long as your undergrad school has some credibility. </p>
<p>Thank you for the kind words and future blessings… I HATE using my situation as an excuse or crutch to excel in the future because quite honestly I don’t feel I did anything that anyone else wouldn’t do in my exact same situation. I have endless goals and dreams and I know now more than ever that hard work, the right mindset, and dedication to the task at hand can help you to accomplish any obstacle in your path… I’ve lived it.</p>
<p>Your analysis of the situation makes great sense and I know it is probably the logical decision to make… Thanks again for your input and the best of times to you as well as we enter the new year!!</p>