UMD or Berkeley (oos)

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Berkeley
1

<p>i live in Maryland, and i was accepted at UMD with $8000 a year in scholarship money. so, UMD tuition is basically free for me, but i really want to get out of here and go down to Berkeley. Berkeley, however, is offering me the crappiest financial aid package ive ever seen. They acknowledge my need but have decided to give me $30k a year in PLUS loans and a $5k scholarship. Is it worth taking out over $120k in loans to go to Berkeley instead of Maryland?</p>

<p>Ive also been accepted to Michigan with $8k in grants/scholarships. My family income is not very high (EFC~$12k)</p>

2

<p>Without a doubt go to UMD. Apply to Berkeley and U. Michigan for grad school.
UMD is an excellent school. Can you get the honors dorm at UMD?</p>

3

<p>Congrats on your acceptances. If your family were rich and money was no object, I'd say Berkeley. </p>

<p>However, given the financial circumstances I would choose UMD as well. Berkeley's not worth the debt...it'll be a huge financial drag for your future dreams. Live in the dorms at UMD and enjoy the experience.</p>