<p>Hi, I've been stuck with an extremely difficult decision for a while. I am currently attending a local college near where I'm living (Dixon, Illinois). I'm in a college transfer program that involves getting my general electives completed to earn my Associate's degree and then transfer to a four year college to focus my major and Bachelor's degree. In addition to my general electives and some major classes, I need to complete classes that are required by the college I plan to transfer to.</p>
<p>My major is Business/Accounting.</p>
<p>I want to attend the University of Madison, Wisconsin simply because I'm fond of the area. I was a natural born Wisconsin resident that has been living in Illinois from the age of 4 to now (21 years old). Most of my relatives reside in Madison and I've been visiting Madison and the Union/Campus my whole life (my dad attended the UW). I also want to live and work in Madison. The only issue is that it costs $34,000 a year to attend the UW. Another option would be attending Edgewood college which has a much lower cost to attend although it is private and only has a student body around 2,000. I could also live in the area for a year to become a Wisconsin resident again then attend the University.</p>
<p>The other option is attending the University of Urbana Champaign, Illinois. This university is ranked #2 in the nation for Accounting and has a very good business front. I also hear that many big four recruiters come in to recruit. The campus is very large, very scenic, and holds the largest University library in the world, but lacks the lakes that the UW has (both colleges are very scenic). The cost to attend the college would be cheaper than attending a college in Wisconsin as well. The biggest problem is after graduating because I don't know if I want to continue working/living in Illinois.</p>
<p>My brother's girlfriend is currently in the same college I am with the same transfer program. She also plans on transferring to the UW and my brother plans on tagging along with her even though he wont be attending college. I will be pretty aggravated if he gets a free ride to Madison while I'm still in Illinois. I guess I've never been to Champaign, IL though and it could be a nice area.</p>
<p>What is more important, going to a college that has prestigious renown towards one's major or attending a college for the sake of being able to work and live in an area? Living in Madison has always been my goal/plan and I don't know if I will be able to if I chose a University in Illinois.</p>
<p>Well, just because your a graduate from a certain college does not mean that you are going to be working in that immediate area. It is granted, however, that you wil have the best chance of landing a job in that specific area near your college since your networking will proliferate easier. </p>
<p>To be honest with you, I’d be stuck in your situation too. But look at the positivies though. I mean, basically, both situations are good ones. You can live life to the fullest at UW or you can go to U of I and get the best accounting education you can find, but still have fun. </p>
<p>You say it costs too much to go to UW, but is that 34k after financial aid? If it isn’t, then I think your home free on UW as your college selection. It probably won’t be more than 5-7k more than U of I, ultimately. </p>
<p>Overall, I think you should go to Sconnie man. Have fun where you know you’ll have fun.</p>
<p>Thanks for the information. I would have to live in Wisconsin for a year, work for a year, send in an income tax form, register my car, and register to vote in order to be considered for financial aid at the UW, so I have to consider that. </p>
<p>Would you happen to know if recruiters from the Madison area ever recruit at UIUC? Or if any recruiting options are are available?</p>
<p>Jordan, a couple things occur to me. First, you have a major disparity in the cost of these two choices (because you’re in-state for UI, right?) and while you may prefer UW for many sound reasons (as would I), the simple fact is that it’ll cost you a bundle. And I’d double-check the rules for gaining WI residency. It has become increasingly tough for full-time students to gain it just by living for one year in the state. Now if you plan to work FT and do school at Edgewood PT, well, maybe, but that seems like a big detour from your path.</p>
<p>That said, UW has a lifestyle and vibe that are completely different from UI, as you probably know well. Either would serve you extremely well academically, but student life is probably quite different.</p>
<p>As for recruiting, you can generally find detailed lists of companies buried in the bowels of the career center section of any university’s website, as well as detailed statistics on average salary, % placed within x months of graduation, etc. I think that for all practical purposes UW and UI will pull recruiters from the same general area.</p>
<p>I believe I am going to choose UIUC as my transfer college. It is a great college and much more affordable, plus living in Madison is still hopeful. Again, I thank all who gave advice.</p>