Vandy vs. Texas

Colleges and Universities A-Z Vanderbilt University
1

<p>Okay so, I got my Vanderbilt letter last Saturday and I could not be more excited. It has been my dream school for over a year, and I am really proud of myself for getting in, because I know the applicant pool was super tough this year. But now I have to make a decision-- UTexas, which is practically free, or Vanderbilt, with it's $55,000/year and no finaid (I told my parents to fill out the FAFSA/CSS but they didn't... and now they're mad at me for not telling them to).</p>

<p>So I guess my question is, what's your opinion? I want to do BME, I'm accepted to both colleges of engineering, and honors at UT. I personally think the debt at Vandy would be worth it, but will it make that much of a difference?</p>

2

<p>How much debt? Surely not 55k per year. That would be a big no. </p>

<p>Give the financial aid office a call and see if you can still file for f.a.</p>

<p>Congratulations on two very fine options.</p>

3

<p>First of all, Congrats on your admission to both schools.</p>

<p>With no FA from Vandy, I’d say it will be UT-Austin for at least the first year and then you can transfer to Vandy.</p>

4

<p>as cheesy as it sounds, follow your heart and everything else will fall into place. I know Texas has an excellent engineering program and Vandy’s is not ranked so highly, but it is more about the experience you will have at each one. You will probably be in smaller clases and get more personal attention at Vandy. The more you get out of your undergrad experience, the more you will learn and the better you will do. The knowledge you gain will serve you for the rest of your life. Debt can be paid off, but you only get to go to college once.</p>

5

<p>^ Don’t listen to man who chooses sentiments over reason.</p>

6

<p>For engineering, I don’t think Vandy’s rep buys you very much over let’s say a Case Western Reserve University. UT for nearly free is very appealing. How about saving the money for grad school or med school? You’ll have to decide whether the undergrad experience at Vandy is worth it.</p>

<p>For engineers, check the 2009-2010 COA. I believe it is over 58K.</p>