<p>I've always envisioned myself going away to school, but I don't think it's going to happen... I currently live in Minnesota, and because I am financing my entire education myself, money has to be an important factor. However, UMinn is a mere 20 minutes from my house, and I can't believe thats where <em>I think</em> I am heading this fall. It's just not what I imagined myself doing after highschool... But before I finally do send in my ITE, please try to convince me CU is worth the insane OOS cost!</p>
<p>Basic Info:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>CU's campus is absolutely beautiful. It's exactly what I'm looking for. I can't say I don't like UMinn's, because I do, but I prefer a college town as opposed to an urban campus. </p></li>
<li><p>I received enough loans to cover the cost at either school, but no scholarships. Including room and board, I'm looking at 18-20k @ UMinn, and around 40k a year at CU. </p></li>
<li><p>One of the main reasons I'm interested in CU is because of the Architectural Engineering major. I didn't really discover it until all application deadlines were passed, and CU is my only option that has this major. I feel like it's the best of both worlds for me. I've always wanted to be an architect, but it seems it may be a bit too intense for me. And I hear job prospects are low. After doing some research, I really think Architectural Engineering is for me. BUT, is it worth 80k+ extra in student loans to obtain this degree?! Who knows.</p></li>
<li><p>I'm really not concerned about prestige. I believe they are both fairly equal, with UMinn having the slight nod. But, I am concerned about job prospects. My ideal job would be somewhere in the northeast (NYC, Boston, etc), or Chicago. Would a degree, from lets say CU, give me more opportunities out East as opposed to a degree from UMinn? Or would they both do about the same for me?</p></li>
<li><p>Just out of curiosity, does anyone know how their architecture programs stack up to each other?</p></li>
<li><p>As of right now, I am admitted into the College of Engineering at CU and the College of Design for architecture at UMinn. I could obtain an ArchEngin. degree in 4 years at CU, but to become a licensed architect at UMinn it will take 4 years + at least 2 additional years at a graduate school elsewhere. </p></li>
</ul>
<p>So, when it comes down to it, here is the COA:
CU - 160k in debt with a degree in architectural engineering.
UMinn - 80k in debt with a BS in architecture. However, depending on where I spend my 2 years in grad school, I could end up in just about the same amount of debt as I would be at CU, around 160k. If I stayed at UMinn for grad school, it'd be around 120k in debt.</p>
<p>Any opinions here?! Should I take my chances and head to CU, or should I stay close to home and pursue architecture?</p>