UMich ($42,000) v. UMaryland ($27,000)

<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>My son had a similar choice between Wisconsin and Maryland (honors at both, OOS at both). UW's tuition is not quite as high as Michigan's, but same as you, it would have meant him taking on most of the $ difference. He chose Maryland, thanks to the $8000 scholarship. Also consider that it would be really cool to be right next to Washington DC while studying poli sci. :)</p>

<p>I do hope that if you choose Michigan, your parents will not make you feel guilty about it. If you're ready and willing to take on some debt, they should be willing to support your decision. Good luck.</p>

<p>Easy decision...remove the cost factor and ask where do you want to go?</p>

<p>Seriously, I had debt for many years, it is not an uncommon occurrence, and I am sure the minute your folks hear happy story experiences that you are enjoying the guilt will be gone!</p>

<p>Personally, I can't see UMich worth the extra 15K. DS is also scholars and will be international studies, the program is also very unique. My best advice would also be UMD because of its proximity to DC. If you want poli sci, you can always try for internships in DC, and go to school at the same time.</p>

<p>At orientation on Friday, Bullet said about 50% in Scholars raised their hand for wanting to attend law school. I think the University is well aware of this and has tailored their courses to the students and the area (DC)</p>

<p>BTW I do tease DS constantly about not going to UMiami because they gave him 11K, or NYU, UMD gave us the least amount of money, but that was the school that made him the happiest when he found out he was accepted, thus we will always joke about it, but he knows we have also always said in a serious conversation, don't worry about the money go where you want to go</p>

<p>Wow that is a hard decision....michigan is really good but so is maryland...but i woulda thought that Maryland would be better in terms of Political science cause of the distance to DC.... But i would go with Maryland just because of the money....trust u DONT wanna pay of thousand of loans a year...plus think of the consideration of the tuition on ur parents...if the cheaper one is still a good school and cost less go with the cheaper school</p>

<p>You will be much happier in the long run without debt. I've had the good fortune of my parents paying for my tuition and housing the last four years. Now that I'm preparing to move out on my own, I am thrilled I'm getting a fresh start instead of having to pay off thousands in debt like many college students.</p>