<p>So I'm currently facing the classic dilemma of excellent school at high cost or very good school at very low cost. Chicago was better than expected with aid but can't come close to Tulane's offer. I know they are quite different in 'vibe' but could honestly feel at home in either environ. I plan to major in geology and both departments are strong, but the Tulane department admittedly aligns more closely with my interests, but i'm not sure how much that matters at the undergrad level. Im really just wondering if you guys think UHicago is worth three times the price.</p>
<p>Chicago at 3x’s the price? Go Tulane. </p>
<p>Ditto. Chicago is fantastic if you can afford it. Plus, considering that Tulane’s program aligns well with your interests… I think we have the makings of a “no brainer.”</p>
<p>:-/ </p>
<p>Its only an UG degree, go Tulane and come back for Grad School as most geologists require advanced degrees.</p>
<p>@jddale - I’ll make it 4 people that are telling you to go to Tulane. Sure, I am a big supporter of Tulane, but I have told many students to pick other schools when it makes more sense for them. Usually it is because Tulane is too expensive for them, and sometimes for reasons of fit other than financial. In your case it is indeed a no brainer, since not only is the cost lower but you already know you could be just as happy at Tulane. Yeah, Chicago is “nerdier” in that you get more students who like sitting around on a Saturday night discussing the metaphysical implications of didactic quantum loop strings (I completely realize that makes no sense, just having some fun with Chicago’s reputation). But not only will you get a great academic education at Tulane, you will also get to enjoy New Orleans. Then you have the option of Chicago or any number of other fine schools for grad school, and you will have saved all that money. Plus, as I understand it, the geology of the Delta Region is pretty interesting, although I know very little about geology.</p>
<p>Also, as I understand it, Tulane is starting this new Scholar’s Program that will take 75 “best of the best” students and provide them with special attention into research and travel opportunities. Probably some internal funding involved there as well. I don’t know the details, but I would assume you would be a good candidate for such a program. That would introduce you to more “Chicago” types and so you get the best of both worlds. Just a thought. You would have to look into it more to get details of exactly what Tulane is planning here, but I know it is something they are doing. Tulane has been instituting more and more programs like this in various areas. They started Newcomb Scholars for 20 female students each year about 5 years ago, and 2 years ago they started Altman Scholars for 15 business school students, a very demanding and rigorous program in international business. Anyway, I won’t ramble on, the decision seems easy based on your own words. I just wanted to make sure you are aware of some ways you can maximize your opportunities at Tulane.</p>
<p>I do have one question though. Does the Chicago offer require you to take out loans?</p>
<p>If Tulane is giving you full-tuition remission, go there. </p>
<p>Fwiw, I frequently used some notes on Tulane’s website to study for one of my upper division geology classes. In fact, my professor, a man who is very prominent in the field, recommended that everyone read some of the notes to understand how a light pattern related to a certain mineral’s decomposition. From what I’ve seen Tulane students do a lot of field work and many intern at LUMCON as well as other facilities. Plus what better place to study sedimentation than New Orleans? </p>
<p>My daughter also got into UChicago and Tulane (and got a great scholarship, but nothing near a full ride). She ended up choosing UChicago, but it was a very difficult decision. If the above posters are correct, Tulane has a fabulous geology department, so that might make the decision for you. One more consideration for you - many people end up living after college near where they go to college, so if you prefer the South to the Midwest, that might be another plug for Tulane.
They are both great schools - congrats on having to make a hard decision!</p>
<p>@fallenchemist It would include about $12500 dollars in loans over 4 years. And I actually reran the numbers and Tulane would would actually be closer to twice as much. While I would definitely have a good time either place I admittedly did like the student body at Chicago slightly more (didn’t quite bite on the lack of diversity at Tulane). And coming from the New York area the city of Chicago did appeal a bit more than NOLA. </p>
<p>
You mean Chicago would be closer to twice as much, right? I am assuming it is between 2x and 3x as much, closer to the 2x number.</p>
<p>OK, $12,500 in loans in total over 4 years doesn’t push the needle either way, in my book. Just to be sure, you do mean that, and not $12,500 per year for a total of $50,000. Because that is an entirely different story. Just making sure, so there are no misunderstandings.</p>
<p>We visited Chicago when my D and I were looking and I do know a number of students that have gone there. There is definitely a difference in the atmosphere at the two schools. Part of it is the type of student that just seems to gravitate to u Chicago, and part of it is the quarter system they use instead of the semester system. Not much downtime at Chicago. But many people love that system because they can take a greater variety of classes.</p>
<p>You really do have about an equal list of pros and cons for each school. Tulane wins in money and the alignment of the department with your interests, Chicago wins on overall atmosphere and location. None of them are knockout punches, though. I get that. I will say, though, on the diversity issue. Well, I will quote myself with something I said on another forum.
It doesn’t show up in that quote, but Tulane actually has twice the African American population that Chicago has, 10% vs. 5%. It is really the Asian percentage that is most of the difference, 20% at Chicago and 4% at Tulane. Hispanic is 9% at Chicago and 6% at Tulane. But going back to my quote, in your field of study a lot of work is done in the bayous of Southern Louisiana. You won’t get that at Chicago!</p>
<p>So I don’t think there is much else I can say towards your dilemma. It is a tough choice. Money usually trumps other things when the $$ are significant, but you have to make that call. But if you want to talk it out some more, we are all listening and will try to help.</p>
<p>What do you want to do with a geology major? To be a petroleum engineer? Or others? What are your interests?</p>
<p>Does geology have anything to do with earth sciences? If so Chicago is strong in the earth sciences.</p>
<p><a href=“http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-science-schools/earth-sciences-rankings”>http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-science-schools/earth-sciences-rankings</a></p>
<p>Of course money is an important factor.</p>
<p>@Supernova123 - He didn’t say it was a full ride, he said Chicago costs twice as much as Tulane, so Tulane is obviously costing something. But your point is still valid IMO. I suspect we are still talking tens of thousands of $$ difference after 4 years, maybe even $100,000 or so. That’s a lot that could be banked, or at the least a lot of debt that can be avoided.</p>
<p>Yes, Tulane is full tuition scholarship but would still pay room and board.</p>
<p>That’s still a pretty big cost difference by the time you are done with school. If you banked that money and had a nest egg of $50K+ after 4 years, that makes for a great start for your next stage in life. JMO, but based on everything you have said, which is that everything else pretty much seems to balance out, I would select Tulane.</p>
<p>@jddale - Just wondering if you had decided yet.</p>
<p>@fallenchemist It was stressful but I ended up committing Chicago, It was a combination of things, among them successfully appealing for more aide from Chicago, and overall I just feel like its a better fit. I still have some fleeting thoughts but overall am happy w/ the choice. Thanks again for all the advice</p>
<p>@jddale - You are welcome and congrats!! Don’t look back, just embrace your choice and have a great career at Chicago. I have observed over the years that one’s instincts about things like this are pretty darned good, so I am sure you will have a great time there. Glad you got more money from Chicago, that is very helpful of course. I am sure that made the decision easier as well.</p>
<p>My D and I visited Chicago on our national tour of universities she was considering. Chicago was definitely appealing to her as well, but full tuition from Tulane was impossible to pass up, plus she actually like Tulane better. It turned out to be the right decision for her, as she just finished a spectacular 4 years there with great results moving forward. I am sure it will be the same for you at Chicago.</p>
<p><a href=“3 Reasons Not to Overthink Your Final College Choice”>3 Reasons Not to Overthink Your Final College Choice;
<p>Nice article. I think it is largely correct, although I think things go a bit deeper than what the author says. For example location can be very important. But the sentiment and advice is pretty good.</p>