<p>I have been doing a lot of college research lately. University of Washington seems to be the best fit for me. I love everything about it and it has gotten pretty great reviews. The only problem is I live near Chicago. Seattle is pretty much as far away as you can get. I know I can emotionally handle it, but is it worth all the extra cost and hassle? I would only be able to fly there and getting my stuff to and from my dorm is going to be difficult. Also, i have to pay out of state tuition. I know people do this a lot for college, but is it worth it for University of Washington?</p>
<p>What do you find so deficient about UIUC, or so appealing about U Washington that you consider it “worth it” to pay OOS tuition?</p>
<p>We live a few miles from the UW, my oldest daughter is a recent graduate, and got my MBA there.</p>
<p>I’d say no, it is not worth it, unless the cost of out of state tuition is no problem at all for your family. It’s a lovely university, but it just doesn’t make sense to pay that level of out of state tuition anywhere - Unless there is some rare major you are set on that is only offered there or something.</p>
<p>Yes, I originally came from Washington state then moved to Chicago, the reverse of your situation. Lol. But I say Pacific northwest is very beautiful. The weather is 1000 times better than chicago. There is no cold and no hot humid summer as in Chicago. Also, UW is very well regarded in that part of the country and internationally. Also, the tuition is not that high there. To be honest, I really want to move back to pudget sound area!!! Lol</p>
<p>One should not base his/her choice of college primarily on weather, or the environment that exists OUTSIDE of the campus community.</p>
<p>You need to find a compelling reason to spend the extra bucks to attend Washington. UW is a fine school but typical as far as giant public universities go. And be forewarned, UW is no longer the bargain that it used to be for non-residents. Today, the UW administration has adopted a widely publicized initiative to admit more out-of-state students, in order to increase revenues from tuition.</p>
<p>If money’s no problem, that’s one thing. But otherwise, lacking a compelling rationale (you want to be on the crew team, you want to ski or mountain hike on the weekends, you want to study volcanology, etc.) you otherwise need to consider your home state colleges, particularly UIllinois-UC and So. Illinois University.</p>
<p>Your transportation cost will go through the roof. You will be paying 40k for the same education you could have gotten at UIUC for 25k. Both colleges are similar in size, academics, graduation rates, athletics etc.</p>
<p>One of my son’s friends at UW overslept, signed on to register for classes 10 minutes after it opened, and ended up with NONE of his desired classes. He spent the last quarter taking filler courses.</p>
<p>Another main reason I want to go to UW is that it’s in Seattle. I’ve always wanted to live there. I was thinking if I go to college there I could get a feel for the town and see if I really want to move out there after I graduate.</p>
<p>So look at the industries in the Seattle area that might need whatever skills you can offer, get your degree in Illinois and move to Washington state after college.</p>