Hi!
I want to do a double major Neuroscience and Computer Science in college this fall. I was accepted into UCLA, UC Berkeley, Pitt, Boston U, and Northeastern.
I think I’ve pretty much narrowed it down to the UC’s and Pitt (which is my state school and MUCH cheaper). If I go to california, I will likely have to take out a lot of money in student loans.
My question is, is it worth it to go to ucla or Berkeley over my cheaper state school? Do the benefits really out weigh the cost?
Help is appreciated!
No, and no.
Your state college will do a fine job of teaching undergrad neuroscience and has plenty of labs where you can get experience. And these days just about anyone with a pulse and a CS degree is going to have good job opportunities (ok, and with a decent gpa also).
Have you really looked into loans yet? The most you can take out over 4 years on your own is $31K, and that’s over all 4 years. Anything above that requires a cosigner or a direct loan to your parents. UC OOS tuition is about $30K/year. And as you’ve noticed from UC offer letters, there is little to no financial aid for OOS students; the UCs admit them to get money for the system, not send it out. Since you talk about “a lot of money in student loans” it sounds like the UCs are out of reach for you financially.
Go to Pitt, have a great time, study hard, don’t look back!
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Thank you! Very helpful! I was leaning towards Pitt anyway and this is very much helping me confirm my decisions!