Hey everyone! I’m currently a senior in high school and as the SIR date approaches, I’m still having a really hard time deciding between the University of Arizona’s public health program, which is ranked higher plus i got a scholarship, or my dream school, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Globally, the difference between the two is 4 ranking places, (64 for UofA, 68 for UIUC) but on the 2015 ranking, UIUC isn’t even on the list. As an out-of-state student for both of these colleges, Im not sure if going to UIUC is worth its extremely high cost. But I’m not sure if U of A will give me the same internship opportunities that UIUC seems to offer after my undergrad. Any advice? Thanks!
Putting academics asides U of A is a huge party school so look at the overall big picture also when making your decision. It is also heavily “greek” for the social scene. If you are not interested in a fraternity or sorority you may not enjoy being a student at U of A.
Ignore the rankings. Overall, these are peer institutions.
If you want to know about internships and job placement, it really, truly is OK for you to contact the departments and the career centers on each campus and ask. They will tell you where their students find jobs and internships.
How much difference are you looking at in costs, and how does your family feel about paying that difference? What else would you or your family do with that money if it didn’t have to go to pay for your education? Run the numbers here, and talk them over with your parents: Your Guide for College Financial Aid - Finaid