<p>Hi guys, I got into UIUC james scholar program and UCLA (no honor) for electrical engineering. Under normal circumstances, I would choose UIUC right away because its electrical engineering is ranked three nationally. Also, apparently Bill Gates said they hire most employees from UIUC. Although UCLA is an overall more prestigious school, I want to focus on engineering. Yesterday, I received by financial award letter for UIUC. Since Cal grant cannot be used for out of state schools, UIUC is $ 28k more expensive per year. UIUC offered me a total of $8k grant while UCLA offered 5k. After the grants, I'd have to pay $10k a year for UCLA and $38k Should I go to UCLA for now, then go to UIUC or another prestigious school for masters? Is UIUC worth the extra money for its great engineering program?</p>
<p>Would you be borrowing the difference? If so, go to UCLA.</p>
<p>My parents said they would pay at least half of the tuition, but I don’t want to add financial burden to them. So yes, I’d be borrowing the difference with an interest.</p>