<p>I need opinions. I am a first-quarter freshman at a private, liberal arts college 800 miles from home. I absolutely love it. The only problem is that it's proving to be far more expensive than I could've imagined. I have taken out several thousand dollars in loans, both my parents are contributing everything they can, and I am working two jobs (coming to a total of 35 hours per week) on top of 15 credits (which is killing me slowly) and it seems like we're still coming up short. I love the small, liberal arts college community/education and I feel that coming out here for my freshman year was well worth it. But I need to come to a decision, whether it is best to stay. I could attend a state school in my home state essentially for free (which there is only one decent one), or maybe even find another private school that might be more cost-effective. I also have the option of the Western Undergrad Exchange, but it seems that the majority of those schools are either bad schools or in bad locations. I am extremely conflicted. I am also concerned that if I have 20,000 dollars worth of debt by the time I get my BA, how will I pay for grad school? Is it better to get cheap, mediocre, undergraduate education and really shell it out for grad school? Or should I get the fantastic education (with small classes and discussion-based learning which I have come to love) in the fantastic location and worry about grad school later?</p>
<p>That is not an easy question to answer. This is something that you need to sit and discuss with a counselor or advisor at your college, and also with your parents. $20k in loans is not a bad deal for 4 years at a school that you love. I am more concerned about the 35 hours a week you are working. I think when you are getting over 20-25 hours a week, you are really wearing yourself down, and do need to ask if it is worth that kind of a grind. Also, if it is causing your parents hardship, that is a consideration as well.</p>
<p>I don't think that going to a state university is necessarily a mediocre undergrad education either. </p>
<p>You need to weigh what you are getting at your school and whether it is worth the cost in lifestyle and money. I am inclined to see if you can work a less next year, take out a bit more in loans, take those courses that make your time at your LAC special and then transfer to your state school for your final courses. You may even get some grad school level courses that way. A major issue with the larger state schools is that the intro level courses tend to be enormous and are often used as weed out courses whereas at the smaller colleges, students can be more nurtured and encouraged. As you get into the advanced level courses, you don't get those stadium sized lecture halls, and there are times you can get a more advanced level presentation at the state school.</p>
<p>Only $20K or more for 4 years. If that is all you have then I would stay but if more I don't know what to suggest. But it seems like you are working excessive amount of hours, 35 hours is too much.</p>
<p>you seem to be in the same situation of my friend. he goes to BU and gets crazy making money.
if u think u can accept loans now and pay back later, stay the same. if not, i would suggest transferring.
your parent's decision may be important since they pay a part of your tuition.</p>
<p>In addition, my mom recently took a new job in which she will be making more money so my need-based financial aid is going to drop come sophomore year. I have started applying to transfer schools (any suggestions?) as back-ups in case I can't and/or decide not to come back to Seattle sophomore year. What worries me most is the loans, whether or not I will be able to pay them back in the midst of the economic crisis, and how the debt might affect my being able to pay for grad school.</p>
<p>It's very individuaasl, but if you will borrow only $20K for all 4 years you are borrowing the average amount for an American college student. That amount should not be very difficult to pay off. It's not a bad deal compared to what most schools will offer.</p>