Hi,
I’ve bren accepted to these schools. I don’t know what I want to do probably either buisness or law. I’d be full pay at Penn or Duke, I got some merit money at Chapel Hill (plus it’s instate, so it’s considerably cheaper. I’m curious- if I go to Penn/Duke will the cost increase each year? My parents can and will pay but not too comfortably.
I’m not too into sports or parties, I am definetly not going into a frat. I’m relatively studious and very pragmatic about future careers. I got pre admit to Kenan Flagelar and honors Carolina- whatever that’s worth. I didn’t love Penn when I visited, but that could be cause the weather was miserable.
Most schools have a yearly increase. The College Board has a searchable database that will show you the historical increase for each. It’s not unusual to see 2k a year jumps. I believe that at UNC your tuition will freeze for 4 years (and as you said its really low) because you are in-state. Your direct admit to Kenan Flagelar ensures that you will be able to study business if you so desire, which has a huge value because it’s very hard to get into the school, even for existing UNC-CH students. All three are excellent schools. If money isn’t an issue I’d say choose Duke (because you indicated that you did not love Penn), but if it is I’d go with a very solid education at UNC CH which will leave money for grad school.
At Penn, did you get into Wharton?
No, I didn’t apply to Wharton. I don’t know if I want to study buisness for sure, having to choose immediately is an annoying aspect of Penn. any other advice?
If you want to study business Honors Carolina + Kebab Flagler is better than your other choices.
I guess I’d pick that or Penn - if you’re undecided Penn may help you more but I doubt you’d recoup the investment in money so think of it as an experience: do you want the ivy league and a major historical city or a top public university in a top college town?
Then here’s the big issue: where would the money come from? Can tell parents afford Penn from income and savings? If yes, and they’re okay with it, then you’re truly free to pick whatever you like best. If they’d have to dip into their retirement or take a loan for you then I’d pick Carolina Honors and not look back.
In-state tuition at UNC Chapel Hill is a terrific bargain. It’s one of the top universities in the country, and the quality of life (nice campus, great college town, lots of school spirit, student happiness and friendliness, good weather) is excellent. I really don’t see the benefits of paying full price at Penn or Duke, and I’m saying that as a Duke grad.
UNC seems to be the clear choice. You are set up for success and have a much better deal financially. I’d only choose Duke or Penn if (1) you absolutely loved one of them, and (2) it was affordable without straining family finances. Doesn’t sound like either is true, much less both of them.
UNC’s pre-admit honors w/ money is a great choice. Kenan-Flagler is a top 10 undergrad business school. My friend on Wall St. says UNC honors business majors are top recruits in finance/Wall St if you go that direction.
Can you ask your parents if you could use some of what they would have paid for Duke or Penn for law school or MBA after UNC? Just an idea.
If you’re not dying to go to Duke or Penn, I agree that UNC honors business is the choice.
Good luck and congrats!!!