Hi! I’m a graduating student in high school, and since the deadline for committing to a college is coming up soon, I figured that I’d reach out for some last minute help. I was accepted to Irvine for Business Economics, and Pepperdine for pre Business Administration. For uci I will be loaning $1,700 a year, and I’ll be loaning $18,000 for Pepperdine a year. My family is low-income for sure, though they assure me that $18,000 a year wouldn’t be unmanageable, and that money shouldn’t be too much of a deciding factor of mine. I’m still really frustrated and have no idea which I should go to, and the deadline is coming up real soon. Any input is appreciated !!
I’m not personally familiar with the specific programs, but these are both excellent institutions. Congratulations on your admission success! What really catches my attention is the HUGE price difference between the schools, and the fact that you’ll be taking out loans. You and/or your parents would be looking at approximately an EXTRA $65,000 in debt once you’ve graduated from Pepperdine. You never know when there might be a crisis (health emergency, etc.) and, especially for a low-income family, that amount of debt for is only “manageable” if nothing goes wrong. I’m also not hearing you say that the school/program is 10x better than Irvine’s… and, even if it were, would it be worth saddling yourself with so much debt that an MBA program might be impossible to fund? UCI is such a great school. You’d owe less than $8,000 total after 4 years — what an excellent option! My $0.02 is to choose UCI and not look back. Less debt now means more options later, as well as some buffer if the unexpected happens.
You note you’ll be loaning UCI $1700 a year and Pep $18000 per year which can’t be correct. It is far more likely they (or someone else) are loaning you the money. You are the borrower and will need to pay it all back with interest. ;As a biz student, that’s an important distinction you’ll need to master.
DO NOT TAKE ON THAT DEBT BURDEN FOR PEPPERDINE!!! It will haunt you and your family for a long, long time. UCI is a great school with an outstanding Biz program. $8k in total debt will be manageable and allow you to keep it in your name, not expose your parents to the debt burden.
This is an easy one… head to UCI and place your deposit today.
Good luck.
UCI all with way. You would not be able to take about more than $5500 as a Freshman in loans and for Pepperdine, the difference would be up to your parents. Will they even qualify for the difference being low income as you stated in your post?
Looks like Pepperdine is far too expensive.
Also, is its religious environment compatible with your religious preferences?
I don’t really have any preferences when it comes to religion, although it does mean that I will need to take some classes studying Christianity
I am not sure if they’d qualify, but parent PLUS loans should be easy to go through I assume?
Thanks man, I appreciate the response, and I do realized that choosing Pepperdine might be too selfish of a decision. Also I’ll get the loan thing right next time
I would not assume anything and it is rather late to be unsure if they can afford the costs for Pepperdine. UCI is an excellent option and if it is affordable without additional loans, you will be far better off with a minimal amount of debt.
Thank you for ur $0.02, it definitely pointed out many valid points that swayed me. I didn’t mention the fact that they are on the older end for parents of my age. The debt will surely be a burden to my parents, and that’s just selfish if I let that happen.
If you are not sure about religion, consider carefully whether a college as religious as Pepperdine is for you (even if it is affordable, which it appears not to be for you).
https://seaver.pepperdine.edu/student-life/spiritual/convocation/
https://community.pepperdine.edu/seaver/convo/faq/
https://seaver.pepperdine.edu/about/faith/
@patrick9tu, you are a good son and a high-quality person to have concluded, “The debt will surely be a burden to my parents, and that’s just selfish if I let that happen.” Such exceptional character will serve you well throughout life. Enjoy college. All the best to you!
Thanks for the reminder, I’ll definitely take that into consideration too
Thanks again, I really do appreciate your kind words and helpful advices, they’re certainly what I need right now!