UConn vs. Connecticut College vs. Muhlenberg vs. Elon Fellows

College Search & Selection
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I’m currently trying to decide between these four schools, so I’m hoping someone could give me insight on one or all of them. I plan on majoring in psychology, and I’m almost definitely going to grad school after – I’m not sure what I want to do yet, but right now I’m thinking either a PhD in psychology, physical therapy school, or dental school. Any of those options would be expensive so I just don’t really know if I want to spend a ton of money on undergrad, but on the other hand I really want to enjoy my undergrad experience and not just base my decision on the money aspect.

UConn – COA is about $28,000/yr (I’m in-state), and I wouldn’t have to take out loans. UConn is literally in my backyard so I kinda feel the need to get away a bit, but it’s my cheapest option. Also I don’t really like how big it is; I feel I might get lost in the huge classes, and not really knowing my professors would be a turn-off.

Connecticut College – COA is about $58,000/yr, so I would definitely need to take out loans. I really like Conn, though I’m a little hesitant about how small it is (1,800 students); my high school is only a little smaller than that. But other than that I really like that I would be in small classes and would know my professors. I think Conn is my #1 choice as of right now, and it’s also the best school of the four I’m deciding between.

Muhlenberg – COA is about $48,000/yr, so I would need to take out some loans but less than at Conn. I know the least about Muhlenberg, but it seems like it would be a good compromise between Conn and UConn cost-wise. I also like that I would be in small classes, but again I don’t really know much else about it.

Elon – COA is about $42,000/yr. I may need to take out some loans but still less than at Conn or Muhlenberg. I got into the Elon College Fellows program, which would ensure that I get lots of research experience, and has some other nice benefits. I like Elon’s size (6,000) the most out of all my schools – not too big or too small. I visited the campus and felt like I would fit in well with the student body. But also Elon is a plane ride away, and I’m not sure if it makes sense to go that far for a school that’s not as good as some of the other ones I got into.

So I guess what I’m asking is if it’s worth it to pay more for a private school, especially considering that I’m definitely going to some sort of grad school, or if I should just save as much money as possible and go to a state school. Any input would be much appreciated!!

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You’ll need to decide based on how you really fell about the schools and your family’s overall financial picture. You probably have already discussed this with your family. What are their thoughts about paying more than $28k per year (UConn)?

Honestly, UConn probably makes the most sense. It’s the least expensive and is an excellent state flagship. I do think there is some advantage to going away to school, if it’s possible. Still, your experience will be greatly in your control. You and your family can draw a sharp line between home and campus and treat the situation like you are far from home. I went to school about 50 minutes from home. I went home one weekend fall of freshman year for a huge high school football game. That was the only non-holiday time in four years. I think my parents popped by twice.

UConn has lots of OOS students. You can make a big effort to meet students not from your high school and town. UConn is fairly large, but students often find their own group/groups and socialize, study, etc. with them.

In terms of relationships with faculty and other staff, that is also in your control. I strongly advise all students to introduce themselves to their profs at the beginning of the semester and to go to as many help sessions/review sessions with them as possible. Students tend to feel awkward about this, and often don’t want profs to know what they don’t know (profs usually know anyway). Profs, though, like to know their students, it gives them important context and understanding. And students are paying–a lot–to learn (that’s why you are there), and one-on-one or small group meetings are important learning opportunities. Study in space in your department. Look for research opportunities from Semester 1. They will be there. I know a freshman at a very good public university. They are already working in a lab and know 3-4 profs in their department very well.

Of the other schools, it strikes me that Conn Coll would just be too expensive, unfortunately. It sounds like your family can pay $30-something-k per year, which is substantial and reasonable. If that’s so, it’s a huge gap to $58k per year. I really like LACs and Conn Coll. But if you’re talking about $80-100k in loans, and paying more per year, that would be too much and would constrain you for a long time after graduation.

I’d put Muhlenberg in the same category at $48k per year. If you need to borrow at Elon at $42k, then you will have that amount plus approximately another $24k for Muhlenberg ($6k per year). After graduation, you could take out a loan to buy a new $24k car, which could easily last you 6-8 years, with just the difference between Elon and Muhlenberg.

Elon at $42k might bear some consideration. It’s not as highly ranked as UConn, though I think it is an up-and-coming school (I don’t know anything about psychology at any of the schools). It costs substantially more (50% more). On the other hand, you like the school. It does provide an opportunity to go away to school. It’s in a nice town and has beautiful weather most of the school year (typically). I know several current Elon freshmen who are not from NC, and they love the school.

This is where it comes down to you and your family. What works for your parent(s)? Is $28k a very significant amount given their whole financial picture, including age, other children, etc.? Then UConn. Would $30-32k be comfortable for them? Or $36-38k? (it sounds like $42k is too high)? Also, this is where you come into play. Would you be willing to work 10 hours per week to pay toward your education? That’s about $3k per school year, for the whole time. Would you be willing to commit to being an RA after freshman year? Would you be willing to forgo summer programs or just hanging out to work over the summer. Would you really do these things? If not, then UConn is probably best. Think about the difference between UConn and Elon, for you? Would it be worth it to pay more? If maybe so, talk with your parents, understanding their position and taking the price differences seriously. After all, you might very well need more educational money for grad school, which is an important consideration. Good luck, work hard, have fun, treat everyone with dignity and respect!

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It depends on how large your loans would be if you went to Connecticut College. That sounds like your favorite opton, but will the debt be minor or substantial? Talk to your family about it. If you or they will struggle to repay the debt, go with a less expensive option. If the debt will be a manageable extra payment per month, then go to your favorite. Remember someday you also will be paying rent/mortgage, utilities, and a car lease. Your parents can help you put everything into perspective and consider what will be manageable. And with graduate school ahead, perhaps you do not want to run up too much debt.

Try speaking with Connecticut College about your financial aid package if you are not satisfied with it. Maybe if you share Muhlenberg’s and Elon’s packages with them,and tell them they are your first choice and you will definitely go to Connecticut College if they can match Muhlenberg’s package, maybe they will increase your aid.

If not, you can get a great education and have a bright future from any of your choices. It is really more determined by you than by the college.

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@TTG thank you for the great advice!! I’m visiting Muhlenberg, Conn, and UConn again this upcoming week so hopefully that will help sort out my decision :slight_smile:

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@TheGreyKing thank you for the advice!

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@ariana17 you’re probably not still on here, but wondering which you chose! My son got his Elon acceptance and is considering Fellows. Hope you’re doing great wherever you are!

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If OP is that undecided about what to study, the cheapest option makes sense as it likely will take more than 4 years to graduate if she switches majors in this case. UConn is a large state school very different from the other choices, but it is cheap. Completely different college experience, though.

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@TS0104: It appears the OP chose Connecticut College: http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/discussion/comment/21509539#Comment_21509539. Congratulations to your son on his Elon acceptance!