<p>I'm really on the fence about my decision between these two schools. I need to decide soon, and I'm really interested in both.</p>
<p>I have visited both campuses, and I did like Minnesota a little better than Madison. I know that overall Wisconsin is about 30 ranks higher than Minnesota, but for my major (psychology) they're both #8 in the country, so that doesn't matter too much to me.</p>
<p>Minnesota will give me more credits for my IB courses, and I've already been accepted to their Honors program.</p>
<p>Wisconsin still gives me a good amount of credit- and I accidentally missed the application date to their honors college! But I could definitely still try to get in.</p>
<p>However...the most important factor here may be money.</p>
<p>I was given a free ride at Rutgers (so both my parents want me to go there), but for me it's out of the question (I dislike the school very much). So it is between these two schools. At Minnesota, I would pretty much end up owing 15,000 dollars or so if I get Sophomore standing (which I probably will). </p>
<p>I will end up owing about 45,000 dollars at Wisconsin.</p>
<p>So I guess...is it that much better of a school that it's worth THAT MUCH extra money? My family isn't very rich, and I know the job market has been very bad these past few years...so I kind of feel like I don't want that kind of economic burden.</p>
<p>I just made this decision yesterday on my tour of Minnesota. Minnesota is definitely the better choice here, especially if you like the campus more. Rankings are important, but considering they’re both literally tied, I would go with Minnesota.</p>
<p>Since the psychology programs are both basically tied in rankings, I definitely think you should choose Minnesota. You like the campus better, more credits transfer, it’s a lot cheaper, and you’re already in honors. The U of W is a great school, but there doesn’t seem to be a major advantage of going there instead.</p>
<p>My daughter was in the same position as you and she decided on Minnesota honors business program. She visited it two weeks ago and was amazed with the campus and the personal attention she got from the administration, especially the honors college. We also live in NJ and my daughter felt that the atmosphere was much healthier than being in NJ. Did you get any scholarship money? My daughter received 37000 in merit money which is amazing. Being from the east is definitely an advantage. Good luck with your decision.</p>
<p>Seeing as I have a lot of family from Wisconsin, and both of my parents went to Madison, I do feel a little bit of pressure to go there. But the cost really is outrageous, compared to Minnesota! (and who knows if the job market/economy will pick up in four years, when I’m out?) </p>
<p>The only other thing that really appeals to me about Wisconsin over Minnesota is their Art Department (what I want to either minor in or do a double major in, though psychology is my priority). But I do think I would be able to overlook that, mostly. Does anyone know much about that department, by chance?</p>
<p>I did get some grant money from Minnesota, plus a work study, but it definitely wasn’t a free ride. Still, it wasn’t a bad financial aid package. All in all, though, I think I would much prefer to go there than to stay in NJ- I’ve been itching to go somewhere new for a long time! :)</p>