<ul>
<li><p>upcoming junior at private lac</p></li>
<li><p>took a LoA second semester of sophomore year due to depression and alcohol problems. Worked 60 hrs a week up until now and received therapy/ treatment.</p></li>
<li><p>27k in debt already from private LAC. Going to be 64k by the time I graduate.</p></li>
<li><p>have friends at state school trying to convince me to transfer. 1 friend in particular said he would let me stay at his apartment for the rest of my undergrad for free if money is an issue.</p></li>
<li><p>if I go to state school, I would end up paying 20k for 2 years, assuming I graduate in 2 years. Total undergrad debt would be 47k.</p></li>
<li><p>I could also get a job while in school since it is in a college town.</p></li>
<li><p>major: biology, math minor ----> wants to go to grad school for bioinformatics ms.</p></li>
<li><p>has mediocre gpa of 2.8 at current institution.</p></li>
<li><p>benefits of staying at lac: better LoRs for grad school, better chances of admission to grad school, more opportunities, and you aren't just a number at a small lac, you receive the attention you need.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>-benefits of state school: less debt, can work at the same time to pay for debts, cheaper, and friends are there to support for room and board if needed.</p>
<p>I need to decide ASAP. I don't know which one to go to. My dad is saying to go to my private lac because it has a better reputation and it's a better decision for a career. </p>
<p>I'm afraid of the debt and afraid of disappointing my dad who worked hard to get me to my lac.</p>
<p>I already know what I want to do, but what if I don't get into a grad program for bioinformatics if I go to the state school because there is a lack of opportunity and I would just be a number? (I know I can get my gpa to at least a 3.3 if I put in the effort$.</p>
<p>Is the state school in the same general level of selectivity as the LAC? If so, no question go to the state school. The only reason not to switch would be if this is a top ranked LAC and a very non-selective state school that is well known in your field of interest.</p>
<p>Masters students often do not get money. You will very far in debt after three to four more years of school.</p>
<p>I would suggest going to the state school, but don’t take on too much outside work. Concentrate on bringing up your GPA.</p>
<p>Are you paying for college completely on your own? That is a challenge in itself. Are you not eligible for any need-based aid?</p>
<p>The amount of debt you will have if you stay at the LAC is almost excessive. Unless you think you will get a high paying job right away, the debt will tie you down for years to come, and limit your opportunities.</p>
<p>If you want to get into grad school later, opt for the lower debt now. It is possible to get into a good grad school from a state school. I know, as I’m talking from experience.</p>
<p>My LAC was more selective than my state school. It’s in the same league as Depauw, Denison, Wittenberg, Kenyon etc.</p>
<p>I got admission to my state school first time around when I was applying to school. And I’m not paying for my school, im taking out all loans.</p>
<p>My friends are telling me to make a decision and fast because if I decide to go to my state school I need to apply right now before it’s too late. </p>
<p>I just feel sorry for my dad after the stuff I put him through because of my depression and alcohol abuse. He paid for my therapy and treatment just so I could go back to my lac, I just don’t want to disappoint him. He’s concerned about my career and told me he doesn’t care what I do as long as I think about my career.</p>
<p>Heck I was thinking about making a complete change in my major to computer science if I went to my state school since I’ve been learning about it on my own and it has good job prospects. I’ll end up possibly staying an extra semester but I’m still paying less. Does anyone think this is a good idea?</p>
<p>One consideration is whether you want to go back to the same environment where you had difficulty in the first place. You’ve made it through treatment . . . but is it really a good idea to go back to the same place? Seems like a change of environment might be a good thing.</p>
<p>One other concern I’d have is that you not become overly dependent on the friend who’s offering you a place to stay. That’s great if it works out . . . but if it doesn’t, you’ll want to have other options.</p>
<p>As for grad school, strong grades from a state school beat weak grades from an LAC. Prove yourself by taking challenging courses and doing well, and grad school admission shouldn’t be a problem.</p>
<p>I’m not becoming overly dependent, he’s just there to help me out until I can get a job and start paying for my own things. He doesn’t mind because we go way back and are practically like brothers.</p>
<p>I’ll go ahead and apply. Thanks for the advice everyone. I think the state school route will be better for mental health and cheaper in the long run. Any more advice would be appreciated.</p>
<p>Get thee to the state school. $64K of debt is too much. Heck, $48K is still too much but you’ve already started down that road. Take the help of your friends to stay clean.</p>
<p>If you enjoy computer science, I would switch majors. My husband has a Software Engineering Degree and a Computer Science Masters. He is never out of work and he has often said that it is VERY hard to find good people to hire! Study hard, be a great computer scientist and you’ll pay off that debt pretty quickly. </p>
<p>If you’re paying for college yourself, your father should be understanding about your debt concerns.</p>
<p>I think pretty much everyone here is in agreement that the state option is a better one from a financial standpoint. I also agree that computer science with a minor in bio/math is a more marketable path. Sit down and talk with your dad, I am sure he will be supportive once you show him you have maturely considered the options and are happy with your choice.</p>
<p>Will my state school still consider me since I’m not in good standing? I was on probation at my other school because of drinking and it lasts until spring semester.</p>
<p>I checked their website and it says that it’s important to be in good standing for transfer admission.</p>
<p>If you can do it, I’d lean towards transferring. Yes, the LAC may have more prestige, but it doesn’t sound like it was especially supportive and healthy for you anyway.
If you have friends at the state school who are supportive, it may well be the place where you can be more successful.</p>
<p>Debt is a big deal, especially if you expect to go on to grad school. Minimizing debt opens up more options for you in the future.</p>
<p>Also would it be better for me to graduate on time with a bio degree and a math and comp sci minor or spend an extra year getting a computer science degree and a math minor from my state school?</p>
<p>rks102 - This previous comment worries me: " And I’m not paying for my school, im taking out all loans." What did you mean? Did your Dad co sign the loans?</p>
<p>If your state school frowns upon your lack of good standing, please ask them what it would take to get back in good graces. Maybe you need to take a year or a semester of courses at your local community college to prove yourself.</p>
<p>It sounds like you have worked really hard to put your life back in order. I am sure your Dad is proud and I hope that you also feel that pride!</p>
<p>Also, check if your GPA transfers or just the credits. My son transferred after only one semester and thankfully the school he transferred to does not count your old gpa , just credits. It could be a great way to get a fresh start on the gpa. The transferred grades are on the transcript on school 2, so someone could see them if they got the transcript, but the gpa is officially just the grades from school 2. Not sure if that would impact your decision.</p>