Transferring & giving up a (essentially) full ride?

Transfer Students
1

<p>Is it a really horrible idea to give up a pretty decent financial aid package at a large state school to go to another state school?</p>

<p>Here's the problem...I'm at my home state school because I had to stay close to home in order to help my mom out with her health issues at the time. I never wanted to go to this school in the first place, and I hate being here. I have issues with the academics, professors, environment, the city, and other various personal reasons. However, I have almost a full ride right now (I have less than 3,000 in loans right now), but I figured out I lose about 60% my grants next year because they only apply to freshman year and if you stay in the liberal arts, whereas I am looking to major in nursing or else biology/biochemistry. So come next year, I will be about 60%-70% covered (maybe), but that would be just with federal loans. Then I would have to go to private loans. Plus, in state tuition here is really high compared to other state schools.</p>

<p>I applied to almost all state schools as a transfer, since they seem to be the only colleges that offer nursing as a major (except a few ivy leagues and top private universities, but i don't have the merit to get into ivy leagues, and alot of the private colleges don't offer enough financial aid for me). I am aware that transfer kids lose out on alot of aid and that out of state tuition is high at some of the places I applied to, but should I stay put at my school now and suffer or transfer out and potentially have higher student debt? </p>

<p>Any input is appreciated!!</p>

2

<p>I have the same problem you do. I chose the economically favorable option!</p>

<p>Go with what makes you happier. State schools are still affordable, and you’ll be able to pay it off with your salary. Happiness is worth a lot of money in my book.</p>

3

<p>The college board has a search feature where you can search for maximum price and major. I would search if there are any less expensive schools that would meet your needs as well (public or private). </p>

<p>I would wait and see what financial aid packages you get. As long as you can afford the application fees, it does no harm to apply. </p>

<p>One thing to keep in mind is that <em>some</em> public universities are raising OOS tuition (or tuition for everyone) by a large percentage. Can your budget afford this? Also, make sure you can graduate early or on time if you transfer.</p>

4

<p>How badly do you need that aid?</p>

<p>I would suggest that you go ahead and apply for transfer to the programs that interest you, and when you have the acceptances on the table, compare the aid packages. That is the only way you can know how affordable each place is.</p>