I have been accepted to both. At UCSC, I will be studying Business Management Economics whereas at UIUC, I will be studying Economics. While I have no preference for what major I pick (as long as it is Economics), I am looking to make a decision on where to go. While it seems UIUC is the better choice overall, my parents are pretty much forcing me to consider UCSC (as I’m in state, and got rejected by all the other UC’s). But, I’m not sure if I could fit into its its hippie-stoner-left wing culture, and prefer UIUCs more right wing-normal-what college is meant to be culture. Which one should I pick? Tuition, for the most part is kind of an issue. Even with FAFSA, UIUC is ~33,000 and UCSC is ~24,000.
Don’t know if this helps, but it looks like Sta Cruz tuition, fees, room and board is $28,000. Maybe you had subtracted your loan or work study already.
Tough situation, good analysis of both schools. You should do what your parents said, which is seriously consider SC. Then figure out how you can make up the $9000 per year difference. Also, travel to Illinois will add cost for sure. Figure 3-4 round trips per year. Can you work a lot and save during summers? Can you be an RA for free room and board? Can you borrow a little bit more than the standard $6000-7000 per year? Never a great idea, but I’m feeling your pain with Santa Cruz.
What about going to community college for a year then transferring? Probably sounds awful to you, but my daughter just did it and is now going out of state with a scholarship. Register quick, those CC’s fill up. You would save the $24,000 and then maybe UI for 3 years would be more acceptable for your parents. Plus, you could work and hopefully get a job with tips and save a ton of cash in a year.
Also, there are a few out of state publics that offer scholarships to transfers. If you do go to CC for a year, you could research more schools that might be a few thousand cheaper.
$33,000 for out of state, public or private is a pretty good price, but still high. I’m so sorry you didn’t have more options. Urbana Champaign would certainly be a classic college experience. People that like the Santa Cruz thing like it, but it’s super extreme for someone not into that.
@Maggpie Thanks.I will look into it.