So I have been admitted to UT plan II and chemical engineering. However, I was admitted to Chemistry for Wash U and USC. I live in Houston, Texas and the tuition for UT will only be around $20,000 a year. My family does not qualify for any financial aid and I did not receive any scholarships so that means for both USC and Wash U I will have to pay around $70,000 a year.
When I was looking for a school I really wanted engineering or chemistry major but still incorporating liberal arts. I want to come out of college as a well rounded student with a technical background and the ability to write well. If I go to UT, my parents said they will pay for all of my college expenses, as well as fund any trips/gap year/ graduate degree after because of all the extra money saved. However, if I attend USC/ Wash U they will pay for three years and I would have to take out a loan for my fourth and no grad/gap year/ trip funding.
So my question is, is the cost worth going out of state to get a degree from Wash U/ USC (Claremont if taken off the waitlist) or should I attend UT even though it is in state? Am I going to be missing out on learning experiences by being close to home?
If your parents aren’t going to miss that $70,000 per year, then go with the school of your dreams whichever one that may be. But I do believe that UT Chem E and Plan II will offer every opportunity you are looking for. And Plan II is pretty special. I don’t know anyone who has regretted it.
So my question is, is the cost worth going out of state to get a degree from Wash U/ USC (Claremont if taken off the waitlist)
For Engineering?
Absolutely NOT.
Dont even think twice about it.
You, the student, cannot borrow 70,000 for the fourth year. Your parents can borrow it and you can repay it. Are they willing to do that? If not, then your decision is made. You can borrow 5,500 and 6,500 each of the first two years and 7,500 each of the second two years.
I don’t think you are going to be missing out on anything in four years in Austin versus St. Louis or Los Angeles that is worth $160,000. If you think so in 2020, you can move there then.
First of all, congratulations! If you are in UT’s Plan II and Chem Eng, you are in the most elite program in the country. And it is in-state for you? Wow! USC and Wash U are good schools–but that UT combination you have is a dream come true, regardless of how much it costs. Good luck with your choices and enjoy the journey.
Thank you all for your input! Yeah it defiantly makes the most sense not only economically but also for my education to go to UT. I just needed to hear some more opinions other than my parents hahah.