<p>So, I have to decide between UTK or Rhodes. I'm planning on majoring in physics and going to grad school, getting a PhD in physics as well I hope. I've seen research from both UTK and Rhodes. I believe UTK may be ranked higher for physics, simply because of more funding? Not too positive. Rhodes has very interesting research as well though. The cost for Rhodes will be about 20k a year, and for UTK it will be about 6k a year. Is it worth it to go to Rhodes with the much higher debt? I don't care at all about the social scene, but in terms of academics. I know they're both good schools. Is Rhodes worth the extra 14k a year? Or should I save my money in undergrad and go to UTK? </p>
<p>Excellent choices. Rhodes is very well known for its physics program. I know nothing about UTK’s physics program but one nice add-on in UTK’s favor is its proximity and relationship with Oak Ridge National Laboratory. </p>
<p>I do ask that you be honest with yourself. Every teenager cares about the social scene. I don’t mean you have to aspire to being in a frat but think back as to which campus made you feel more comfortable. </p>
<p>Who is paying the remainder of your costs - you or your parents? </p>
<p>I guess I more meant that I felt fairly comfortable at both 
Though I did tend to like that Rhodes was less crazy-partying than UTK, at least from what I noticed and have heard.
I will be paying the tuition. I’m planning on working in college though I’m not actually sure how much can be made with minimum wage, I know that on campus employment with Rhodes was a bit slim. </p>
<p>Grad school tuition MIGHT be free for a physics major but $80K of undergrad debt will limit your options post PhD. If, for example, you decide not to pursue a PhD or if you change your plans and decide to go to medical school, switch to engineering, or teach, then you’re still stuck with $80K v. $24K of undergraduate debt. As much as I’m not a fan of UTK administration and red (orange?) tape, of the two, UTK makes sense given you’ve got about 8 years of post high school education to self-fund. </p>
<p>At UTK, you’ll need to be assertive, not aggressive, in establishing relationships with the physics profs. Ask them about their research and lab projects, and communicate your goals to them. Join the physics major student group and be active in it. Ask your professors about lab opportunities, internships, and work study. With UTK, it’s more likely you’ll need to be your own champion but once you’re on the physics program radar, the opportunities are there. If you’re part of the Chancellor’s Honors Program, then get involved with the CHP social set. You’ve picked a serious major and working outside of the university for minimum wage will detract from your long-term goal.</p>
<p>With Rhodes, they’ll come to you with ideas and opportunities but from my perspective, and that’s all this is, it’s not worth a $56K (check my math!) difference. </p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>
<p>Zonova: What did you decide?</p>
<p>I did end up choosing Rhodes College! I got in contact with their financial aid department and told them that the difference in cost between UTK and Rhodes was too large for me to be able to consider Rhodes. That helped quite a bit and in the end the difference ended up being significantly smaller. I’m pretty happy with the support and guidance the administration gave from Rhodes. If it’s someplace you’re interested in, I would definitely let them know your circumstances and tell them about better offers you may have received, to give them a better perspective. </p>