<p>I'm currently in high school, and I'm planning on going into medicine. I am planning on going to Michigan State next year. My parents aren't poor, and they aren't rich. Long story short- I'm on my own. Room/board and tuition are about $20,000 a year. I would go to community college to avoid massive amounts of debt. However, the classes at my local community college do not offer all of the classes I want. </p>
<p>I'm not planning on getting any scholarships (no expections = no let downs). </p>
<p>I've been trying to get a job to help save up for college, but I'm in michigan - enough said. lol.</p>
<p>Next year, I'm planning on getting a on campus job- but I'll only be making about $3,000 a year. </p>
<p>So heres what I'm asking..
Is it worth it to possible take on $80,000 in debt for undergrad? I know I would be getting a great education...but $80,000 is still a lot of money!</p>
<p>It is possible to do anything. That being said, here is what I would do:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Check out the price of the med schools you want to attend.</p></li>
<li><p>See how much debt you would be in.</p></li>
<li><p>Run your numbers through this calculator: <a href=“http://www.finaid.org/calculators/sc...anpayments.cgi[/url]”>http://www.finaid.org/calculators/sc...anpayments.cgi</a></p></li>
<li><p>If you are all right with the number in 3, stop here.</p></li>
<li><p>If you aren’t, consider alternatives. Explore cheaper undergrad or medical schools. See if any other careers interest you. </p></li>
<li><p>If you still want to be a doctor, get ready to work hard in college.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>You can also look into being an RA after freshman year. I’m not sure how it works everywhere else, but here, you get free room (and maybe board) which, although not fun, pays pretty well when you think about it.</p>