<p>I am in a bit of a dilemma (that's an understatement).
I am a Californian and I have aspired to going East for a very long time, particularly NYC. As is apparent, it offers so many things that are unmatched. I was accepted into my number one school, NYU, and would go there in a heartbeat if not for one severe problem...
If I went to NYU, I would incur a cumulative (4-year) debt of about $160,000. My mother is supportive of my going there, but she makes less than 50k a year.<br>
UC San Diego would be far more affordable, but the opportunities would be relatively negligible.
What am I to do??</p>
<p>NEVER subject yourself to that much debt, especially when you can just to go to a college where you could get an equal education for much less.</p>
<p>I’m not sure you realize how horrible $160k of debt is. It will literally destroy you, ad for the rest of your life.</p>
<p>Have you applied for federal financial aid? You would definitely qualify if your mom is making less than 50k a year… Also, are you planning on going to grad school? If you are, you’ll be in double the debt if you choose to go to NYU.</p>
<p>I received just 10,000/yr in scholarships; a little over 36,500 PLUS loan.
I do intend on going to grad school.
This is such a difficult decision…</p>
<p>I mean, if it were Harvard or another ivy, I would say it would be worth being in debt. But NYU is ranked almost the same as UCSD (maybe SLIGHTLY better and this is subjective), and I know at least three people who have transferred from NYU because they hated it - and they LOVE New York City itself. I don’t know, I personally think NYU has a better environment for grad school. You could always try again in 4 years to go to the east coast and save your $$ now while you can.</p>
<p>Another plus for going for grad school: It’s free! (Well, if you’re in the sciences. Humanities folks don’t fare quite as well.) </p>
<p>I went to UCSD for undergrad and came out to NYC for grad school. We get a $30K/year stipend and subsidized student housing, so that leaves a fair chunk of money for eating out and having fun. Looking back on things, it all really worked out for the best. I wouldn’t have enjoyed the big city at age 17 as much as I do now … with a big part of that owing to the fact that I’m over 21 :)</p>
<p>I agree with most everyone here. </p>
<p>That kind of debt is really too much of a burden. Unless you think you can start working immediately with a high salary (depends on which major/school of NYU) you will be best off staying at UCSD. What exactly do you plan to major in NYU? NYC is certainly a great environment for something like business or theatre arts, but if pre-med or engineering you’re looking for, NYU isn’t anything spectacular.</p>
<p>@astrina.
What do you mean when you say graduate school is free? O.O</p>