Hello all, I have been accepted to UVA and the UMD honors college so far and I am very torn between the two. I am in-states for UMD, however after all aid for both schools is factored in the difference comes to around only 7k more per year for UVA, which is certainly feasible but nonetheless a factor. I plan on double majoring with business (finance) and math (statistics) where ever I go. I have already been guaranteed the finance major at UMD but I know at UVA all commerce students must apply during sophomore year. If I wouldn’t get in I would do economics in place of business, but for the purpose of this question I’d just like your feedback assuming I would get into McIntire. I’m not really set on a very specific occupation within finance, but I think I want to stray away from investment banking. I’ve heard mixed reviews about the prestige of each school and the respective impact of that prestige on getting jobs/internships. Any feedback would be much appreciated!
Is the aid at UVA entirely need-based, or is some of that aid merit-based? If it is merit-based, what do you need to do in order to keep it for all four years? Will UVA suddenly become unaffordable if you have a bad semester?
You are in the major that you want at UMD, and it is 7k each year cheaper. Go to UMD. The money you save will give you a lot of options such as possibly taking unpaid or underpaid internships, adding on an extra year if you decide to go the accounting route, buying a decent car when you graduate, etc. It really, truly, is OK to stay in state.
For solid information about internship and career placement, contact the career centers on both campuses.
I will not assume anything. UNiv. of Maryland Honors is cheaper & guaranteed.
Unless you are targeting Wall Street, UMD is the better choice.
@happymomof1 it is all need based aid. Thank you guys for the feedback! From other forums and sites it seems like the only true advantage uva might have for the price premium comes in the form of wall street jobs, which i’m not interested in.
Another way to think about it is, what kind of debt would you have upon graduation? Would either school be more likely to funnel you into lucrative summer jobs that may offset this? Congratulations on two great choices!