I am a current community college student in Maryland. I have one more year to finish my associate degree then I will transfer to either UMD or UVA. Currently, I am MD resident and if I go to my current community college for another year, I will get in-state tuition for UMD (They offer full-scholarship for transfer students so there’s a chance that I can get that). We are also low-income family so I can continue to go to this community college at cheap price.
The thing is, my family is moving to Virginia next month because of family issue. If I choose to move with them, I will attend community college in Virginia. (and will pay out of state tuition because I did not reside in Virginia for one year). However, if I aim high and try my best to go to UVA, I can get in-state tuition (because by the time I enter UVA as a Junior, I will be a Virginia resident)
I have two options:
- Stay at current cc & pay cheap price, save money to go to UMD
Pay UMD in-state tuition (or get full scholarships)
- Move to Virginia with my family. Attend cc in Virginia (pay out-of state tuition for 1 year to get associate degree). Go to UVA (pay in-state tuition
I really like studying, care about my education, and my future job and career. I plan to work at really good companies after I graduate from 4yr uni and then go to graduate school to get my MBA degree. This is really important decision to make. HOWEVER, money does matter to my family.
Will going to UVA by spending more money really worth it after 2-3 years after I graduate?
Would it be more easier to get good jobs and internships?
How will it be different from going to UMD instead?
I plan to go to graduate school, so will going to UVA give a little advantage to go to graduate school?
Please, I welcome any comments and suggestions.
I do not really know a lot of people who can advice me so I ask here! Feel free to write down your opinions. I would appreciate all of them.
freshlemon123, one factor I thought of is, where would you live if you stayed in Maryland? Would you have to pay rent to stay? If so, this should be included in the decision making.
@Twillsmomnp thanks for the reply.
If I end up being at UMD, i will most likely commute. But if I go to UVA, I’d have to live in dorm/apartment w roommates.
if I go to UVA, it’ll cost more money than going to UMD. So I’d have to get loans or something.
You’re welcome. I was actually thinking just about 2017 Fall semester. If you stay in Maryland, will you have to rent a place to stay?
If MD is cheaper, going there may be your best option. Save the money for graduate school.
UMD will offer you a great education, there will be plenty of opportunities for internships and jobs, you just have to look for them be sure to take advantage of any resources at the school. Either way, both VA and MD are close to DC, so I’m sure you could find additional opportunities there.
Side note: My father attended UMD for graduate school and has had many great opportunities. My brother is attending there now for undergrad and loves it.
Good luck in your decision! At the end of the day, do what you believe is best for you.
I was in a similar situation minus my family moving. I too had to choose between UVA and UMD. I finished my associates from a CC in Maryland with a business degree and now transferring to UVA McIntire. You should know that rankings matter. There is a big difference between McIntire and Smith. Also, UVA is very giving to low income kids. I know because I am one and they gave me enough scholarships to go + work study. I still have to take out some loans though.
As far as UMD, its not a bad school and you should save money if you plan to get your MBA. Since I am doing accounting all I need to worry about is CPA. But, if you are talking about the Transfer Excellence Scholarship that UMD offers it is not a secure option. I got the scholarship from UMD but I only got partial. To receive a full ride then you have to do well in the interview. It is also very competitive. In the end, I had the option to go to UMD full ride but I would have to commute, but if I plan on living there then I would have to take out loans. UMD is not very giving in financial aid and especially if you are in close proximity to the school. If you have the option to commute then I think UMD will prioritize other students who don’t have the option, so less money. That’s what I believe anyways.
If you have the option to go to a nationally prestigious undergrad buss. school without taking out too much loans then you should. You also have to consider that MBA is very expensive and you need good work experience. Sometimes a school can be expensive but it may be because they offer more in terms of alumni connections and resources.Good luck.