DS got off waitlist at Vanderbilt, has to choose between Vandy and Butler, wants to be a high school teacher. Both schools have good Colleges of Education. Butler is cheaper due to scholarships, but Vandy is very appealing. Money is a factor but not an overwhelming factor. Grateful for any thoughts.
If the money is not a big deal than vandy the obvious choice. Aside from prestige, does your daughter like Vanderbilt a lot more than butler? I’m sorry I am not sure about different colleges of education. I’d say choose where your will be happiest and if you can save money at butler than its would be a great option.
I am not familiar with Butler so much, but I imagine that the student bodies at the two schools may be very different in their respective natures.
Both schools are strong schools in great locations. What are the factors for Vandy being more appealing? Is it just name recognition - which really won’t matter that much over time - or are there other factors? S loved Butler and the surrounding area but it didn’t end up being affordable for us. Would the savings going to Butler allow for more experiences during her years at college?
Well part of it is name recognition, can’t deny it. But also his best friend from high school is going to Vanderbilt in the fall. And my son loves country music. Intangible stuff I know, but still factors nonetheless.
If Vandy does not require mega loans or depleting your retirement account, go there.
No loans required, but may need to work a couple of years longer than otherwise
For an aspiring teacher name recognition is honestly not very important. Normally, as a teacher’s salary isn’t very high, I’d recommend going to the cheaper school. But it seems like your son may be happier at Vandy, making it a very tough decision.
Another factor to consider is where your son wants to work after he graduates. As one does his student teaching near the school, and most school districts recruit from local universities, it would be much easier for him to get a job in Nashville if he went to Vandy or in Indianapolis if he went to Butler. Licensing is also done on the state level. Although it is generally easy to transfer a license from state to state this is still a factor.
Sorry I said daughter every time I see ds I assume daughter not son!
If money isn’t an issue then Vandy, easy choice.
I’m from Indiana myself and even I rarely hear about Butler(except in 2011 when they reached the finals in the NCAA basketball tour).
I would pick the name recognition of Vandy imo.
Can you give us exact figures of how much will she be paying at Butler and Vandy?
It is a very personal decision.
Where does your son fit in better?
I’m on the other side of the fence - I don’t know anything about Vanderbilt, but I like Butler a lot. When I visited, it seemed like a really nurturing school, and the students were engaged and happy.
I will add that when I was in high school, the girl who would have been valedictorian graduated early. She was brilliant. She picked Butler! She ended up getting a PhD (I’m not sure where) and did very well.