Transferring

I currently go to Union College, only a first year, and I am worried about graduating in debt. I am majoring in Mechanical Engineering. I was wondering what cheaper alternatives there are for engineering if I finish this year with a 3.5+. Thank you so much.

It appears from other posts that you are a NY resident. Obviously the SUNYs would be less expensive. As a transfer you won’t be getting much, if any, merit aid from a new U. How much are you paying now?

@“Erin’s Dad” about 35k/yr out of pocket.

Definitely look at the SUNYs, or the CUNYs if your family lives in NYC.
https://www.suny.edu/attend/find-a-suny-program/undergraduate/

Are your parents taking out loans to pay for your school? The regular student loans are okay, but I wouldn’t borrow more than that.

If you transfer to a SUNY, the cost will be ~$20k. You can borrow ~$5500/year. If you add in ~$3k summer work earnings, your parents’ out-of-pocket would be ~$12-15k/year.