Well, I got into both UCSB and UW-Seattle. I’m a Statistics major (thinking about double majoring in psych), and I’m trying to decide between the two schools.
My main two questions are:
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How much does undergrad really “not matter”? UW has the far superior ranked statistics program.
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How much debt is “too much debt”? I’m a CA resident and transfer student. My family makes about 200k a year, and after doing all the financial math (subtracting grants, what we’re planning on paying out of pocket, work study, etc), we’ve determined I would be in about $15k debt from loans if I choose UCSB, and probably more than twice that, if I choose UW.
My other considerations are:
-I love Seattle, lived there briefly
-Seattle seems like it would have more opportunities
-Better reputation? I can’t shake off the idea of that “party school” rep that UCSB has.
All this has made me prefer UW, but is 30k+ debt worth it? I’m sure I would be happy at UCSB, but UW is more of a dream for me.
I would appreciate your thoughts and opinions. Thanks!!
There is no perfect answer because you’re comparing apples and oranges (so perhaps it is easier for you as a statistics major). The rankings aren’t that important, especially for undergrad. Any college in the country is capable of offering decent instruction in statistics. Some may offer electives not found elsewhere, some may have the leading researchers in the field, so those are pluses. But it isn’t like you’ll leave UCSB (or anywhere else) unprepared for grad school. And make no mistake, to get a good job in the field you’ll need a graduate degree.
Seattle may offer more opportunities for part-time work or internships since it is a city, SB is much smaller. On the other hand you’ll still have the summer after junior year to go a full-time internship anywhere you can find one.
As for the party school reputation, anytime you have kids living away from home in a small community you’re going to have parties. But there are also plenty of serious students at UCSB and you can have a great time there even if you aren’t big-time into parties.
Overall, though, it sounds like you’re more than leaning towards Seattle. So you have to decide in the face of uncertainty (again, good practice for a stats major). What are the chances that the $30K in debt stops you from taking a lower-paying entry job that you really want, or is a roadblock towards going to grad school? There’s no provably right answer, you pays your money and takes your chances.
Every large state school is a party school, bar none. And for what you learn in as an UG statistics major, reputation only has to be good enough. A lot will depend on what you plan to do with that degree. Actuarial sciences? Computational statistics? Geostatistics? A Ph.D. in something else? If you plan on going to grad school, you might check to see if UCSB or UW have an accelerated BS/MS program which would (typically) take an extra year to complete.
A more practical issue is how far will you be from family? If you are not driving, flights from SBA are pretty expensive. Flights from Sea-Tac are mostly commuter runs and pretty cheap.
Thank you both for your responses!
@TooOld4School , I am planning to do grad school (not sure when though - do you think it’s a good idea to do grad school right after undergrad with 30k debt if I choose UW?). I’m leaning towards a master’s in Data Science. Both UCSB and UW have “Statistics with an emphasis in data science” (or something along that title) as a major. As of right now I am considering a career as a data scientist — though the idea of doing high level research, or maybe starting up my own company, appeals to me.
Regarding the distance, UCSB is about a 4 hour drive away from home. I would live in the campus apartments. If I would want to visit back home I would probably take the train (unless my parents let me bring the family car with me to UCSB).
Here are the advantages of going into a masters program immediately after UG:
Quicker path to your desired career
Student loans not due until after you graduate
Still in ‘school mode’ (e.g. no real life yet)
No/few family obligations (typically)
Recruiting may be better
May take less time with combine UG/Grad program
No distractions to keep you from finishing (family, work etc.)
Immediately higher earnings
Much easier to complete and base material is still fresh
Advantages of waiting:
You may be sick of school
Finances
Economy is better now that you think it will be in 3-4 years
Not sure what you want to do
Real world experience is a better teacher
Work may pay for your program, at least partly
You may need a skills/knowledge update in a decade or so to remain competitive
One more important item in school selection is where the school places graduates. UCSB is likely to place their grads in SoCal. UW probably in Washington, Oregon, and NorCal. Where do you see yourself going?
Thank you for that very comprehensive pros list. That helps a lot.
I see myself going to Seattle or the Bay Area, honestly. I’m a bit tired of SoCal, BUT I’m also strongly considering LA.
I think your advice has made me lean towards UW a bit more. I’ll have to talk to my parents more, as I think they are leaning towards me going to UCSB.
Another option I’m considering is going to undegrad at UCSB and then subsequently going to grad school at UW (if I can get in). That way I’ll end up in Seattle anyway.
OMG CONGRATZ AGAIN!!! I’m from the UW transfer forum! I was also trying to decide between UCSB and UW. Especially since UW got back so late and then the UC deposit was due!! Ive committed to UW. I am from a California Community college & from the Bay Area. I am from a busy city so I want to also be in a huge school in a big city. SB is a small beach town–which is fine but I am a huge people person and UW has so many resources of networking and meeting people. It is hard to meet people after college. UCSB is the ranked the 4/5th best public school in the nation. It is a party school and IV is wild. I got into their sociology program which is ranked the top in the nation but my passion is Education and working with kids. None of the UC’s offered Education programs as a major. This is the second time I am transferring. I was at community college then went to a university in San Diego which is also a beach town. I love the beach but in terms of career moves and where I am in my life I really wanted to be in a city. There are waaaaaay more job oppurtinites, internships, networking and resources offered at UW than UCSB. Santa Barbara is an amazing school and great for some people but I am so glad tha UW is where I am going. If youre from California you can always come back! Experience something new! I dont know anything about your academic program but honestly it really depends on what environment you want to be in. You dont think its a huge factor but take it from someone who’s been thru the transfer process before. If you are from SoCal and want to be still in a beach town lifestyle go to UCSB, if you are open to being in a tech city go to Seattle. Its a really hard decision but make sure you are doing this for yourself and not anyone else bc you are going to have to do it. If you haven’t been to campus Id definitely visit both and see how you feel.