I’m going to be honest, I was not thinking I would have to choose between my safeties 6 months ago, but here I am. I am just looking for suggestions of those here. I would say all schools are equally matched in terms of academics, so I am looking to transfer later (maybe). All of these schools are “meh” in my eyes, but I would love to hear what you guys think I should consider the most. Again, I am looking for some advice, not for someone to pick for me.
Thank you.
Schools: Iowa State, UIC, Michigan State
Major: Civil Engineering
Cost: Not a huge deal, but I want to get out of school without debt. UIC is the cheapest as I am in state, but Iowa State is a close second. Michigan State wants 40k a year which is a lot, but also sounds like a good time.
Additional Info: I am really quick to adapt to any place I am at, but when I went to UIC, it felt very dull. It’s not that I disliked it, but it didn’t strike me as awesome. Personally, I think it’s not a horrible school, but I have a feeling that most people are there just to be there. This is the same for Iowa State. I haven’t visited, but a lot of people I know either go or are going there, so I would have someone to hang with, but…it’s Iowa. Michigan State sounds like a lot of fun, but it is also very expensive for a state school in my opinion. Sadly, these are my only options unless a Godsend waitlist spot becomes available.
As of now, I am leaning towards UIC for the cost, yet I would like to know what others think.
That amount of debt is a horrible idea. Fortunately, you can’t borrow that much on your own. You would have to convince someone to co-sign the loans with you and/or borrow the money for you.
Where do you live? Is Chicago more convenient for you, or is Ames more convenient for you?
Will either UIC or ISU be affordable without any debt at all?
Both of these are good options for your major. Truly, you can choose Ames for the football or Chicago for the pizza, and it will be OK.
I grew up near Michigan State and have a nephew who attended, and have a kid who is a grad student at ISU. I do NOT think MSU is worth the premium price. I’d pick between UIC or ISU. I was pleasantly surprised by Ames, honestly. Yes, it is in the middle of Iowa, but it is a decent sized college town.
Haha, I love the pros of the schools. UIC would be the cheapest and most convenient. I believe it will be 24k with rooming included and ISU might be 36k(maybe) with rooming. My parents have about 2 years saved up for ISU and the rest would be on my own, but at that point UIC seems like the smartest option. I’m still in that grieving process of not getting into an ideal school, so I might be overlooking the potential the schools offer.
If cost is an issue–and it sounds like it is–than UIC is your best bet. College is what you make of it; believe me. Plus, I’m from Chicago, so, yeah, I understand that UIC is not like the other two, which will offer a more traditional college experience. It’s not in the greatest area either, though campus itself is relatively safe. Like the other city schools (U of Chicago is the exception), there will be more non-traditional students (euphemism for “older”) and commuters.
On the other hand, UIC is a better school than many think. For instance, its English department is very strong.
I’m surprised you feel “meh” about all three schools. I don’t want to say too much about the other two because, well, it looks like you won’t be able to attend, but both are big-time, classic universities. Both have D1 sports, and both have traditional-age student bodies. In particular, I like Iowa State a lot. It is not second fiddle to U of Iowa. Iowa City might have a slight edge in terms of having a great college town, but Ames is also a great spot.
Regardless of school, living in Chicago is hecka fun, and with access to public transportation, you can enjoy the city. Kids pick NYU for NYC, the U of London schools to live in London, GWU for DC (even though none of those schools really have a campus). Chicago is a terrific city (yet much cheaper than NYC or London) so I’d personally pick UIC.
I was giving my opinion assuming same cost. No to MSU for 100k in debt. No to just about everywhere for that matter for 100k debt. It is a ball and chain that will drag you for years after the glow of pride of the bumper sticker fades
Thanks for the input, Hapworth. I think my feeling towards them comes from the bitterness of not getting somewhere else, but nonetheless all schools are good for what they offer. My stepdad keeps mentioning how Iowa State will be a better experience due to the College life there, but I think I will find a good time in all 3 schools. I’m just really indecisive in what to do. If there is anything else you think I should consider let me know. Thank you.
Your step dad isn’t entirely wrong. There is a value to be placed on the experiences and connections you make in college. Iowa State is probably a really great school and a lot of fun. If you apply yourself and become a big success the debt if small wouldn’t be unreasonable.
If your parents can only pay for two years at ISU, and then you would be on your own, you have already answered your question. The only truly affordable option is UIC. Go there. Do well.
I.e. they have $72k. So the only realistic choice is UIC. Your parents’ money would only cover three years there (since four years of UIC is $96k), so you would need to take the federal loans each year or work to save up similar amounts each year, in order to come up with the amount to pay what your parents cannot pay.
I have not visited Ames yet CU123. I am certain that I will adapt soon enough to the place and is most likely similar to Illinois. I know it is pretty good for engineering, but I wonder if the education is a lot better than UIC for the extra cost that it is for me.