<p>I'm accepted out of state at both michigan (LSA honors) and maryland (CP scholars), but maryland is offering me an $8000 scholarship. I definitely prefer Michigan, but I cannot decide whether the difference is worth $15000 each year for my family. I want to study political science, but the Michigan Organizational Studies program is something unique I would definitely apply to. If I go to Maryland, my family will pay and everyone will be happy. If I go to Michigan, I may have to take on some debt and my family will be giving me guilt trips for the next four years.</p>
<p>How much debt are we talking about? $60k over 4 years is A LOT of money. If your parents are willing to pay an extra $8,000/year, then Michigan may be worth it. However, getting into too much debt is never worth it.</p>
<p>Michigan. How much financial aid are you getting from Michigan? Most OOS that i knew got some Michigan Grant.</p>
<p>If you want a real college experience, then go to Michigan. It's considerably more prestigious then U-Md and you'll enjoy the campus lifestyle much more in Ann Arbor.</p>
<p>I would normally say Michigan, but they aren't very good with OOS financial aid (I got nothing from them, which is why I was forced to consider other schools, even though Michigan was by far my top choice). Studies have shown that it really doesn't matter where you go to college, it's what you do while you're there that counts. In this case, I would probably choose UMD (unless your parents can contribute significantly). It has a good reputation, especially in the DC area, which is huge for political science; in fact, I believe UMD has one of the better poli sci programs in the country, due in a large part to its close proximity to, and great internships with, top organizations in DC. It's also big on sports and such, so you'll definitely get the college feel.</p>
<p>Either way, you can't go wrong, but since both are well-known schools, I'd go with UMD since it is considerably cheaper.</p>
<p>UMD, the aid difference is quite large and vc08 is right in saying both are great schools.</p>
<p>The overall college experience is better in Ann Arbor. Read this article about U-MD before you decide. <a href="http://www.cydeweys.com/blog/2008/02/19/gimme-shelter-the-student-housing-crisis-at-university-of-maryland/%5B/url%5D">http://www.cydeweys.com/blog/2008/02/19/gimme-shelter-the-student-housing-crisis-at-university-of-maryland/</a></p>
<p>Keep in mind that tens of thousands of students will tell you that UMD is a terrific experience. I would strongly suggest a visit if you haven't been there yet. Look the place over when school is in session. Go into the cafeterias. Read the student newspaper (you can probably do that online now, to start). Look at postings around campus for a general sense of the social scene. See if kids look happy and well-adjusted.</p>
<p>YouTube</a> - UMD Vs UofM</p>
<p>this video is sure to change your mind</p>