I was selected as a Banneker/Key Scholar (only 150 every year) for a full scholarship to UMD and the honors program there. My other choices are University of Southern California ($40k a year with FA) and UNC Chapel Hill ($16k a year with FA). I got into the business school at UMD and USC already, but if I go to UNC I would have to apply to the business school my sophomore year. I really wanted to go out-of state and have a new environment…but I don’t know if the costs are worth it. And does it make sense to just go to UNC (another STATE school) for more money than UMD just because I want to go out-of state? and is USC worth the money? (My parents are willing to pay $16k a year to help with my college, but they want me to go to UMD to save money. PLEASE HELP!!
First of all – congrats on your great options! You will do great no matter where you go.
Second, If your parents aren’t willing to pay the $40k/year for USC, I would take that off the list. You certainly don’t want big loans when you have two other options.
Third – bias alert - I’m a big UNC fan!
Full ride honors at UMD is a great option. I know that UNC’s business school is one of the top in the country but you would have to apply so that’s to be taken into account. I don’t know anything about UMD’s business school.
Honestly – it’s a tough call between the two. What about overall fit and vibe at the campus – do you have a strong feeling about either one? Is there a chance you’ll change majors and does that influence your decision? How strongly do your parents feel about UMD? If you went there, maybe you could study abroad and do a summer or two out of state to make it more exciting --esp. with the free ride and the honors program I bet there will be a lot of opportunities!
Bottom I think if the business school meets your standards and you’re sure that’s what you want to do, I’d probably take the full ride/honors at UMD. If there’s a big gap in quality – going to UNC for $16k/year is an amazing deal.
Others may have good/better advice too!
The scholarship is quite an honor. If you could sell it you would be surprised at how many super smart people would be dying to have it.
But I understand the unc appeal. It’s a great place.
However at your age it is impossible to realize how hard it is for someone to make an extra 16k. Per year after tax. It’s 64k for four years or 100k before state federal taxes fica etc. in different terms do you think it is worth your mom or dad to work an extra two hours a day. Seven days a week for the next 7 years so you can go to unc vs umd. Assuming 20 an hour under.
Maybe yes maybe no. But we throw around numbers here like there isn’t a real world consequence and labor involved.
I would go to unc if it didn’t hurt that much. But umd is nearly as good and with your scholarship and honors college probably a little bit better school wise
@ohhyuh – What did you decide?? No matter where you go, I’m sure you’ll do great!!