<p>Chicago has been my first choice since I started thinking about college, and the only thing really preventing me from going is money. If I go, I would graduate with around $21,300 in debt after 4 years. The University of Delaware Honors program, however, would allow me to graduate with just $14,000 in debt. These are the two cheapest schools that I've gotten into, so I know I'll have at least some debt when I graduate. I'm just wondering if its worth it to amass a large amount of debt for such a wonderful school, or go to a school that I'd be less happy at that's more affordable.</p>
<p>If it were say, 40k in debt at Chicago vs. debt free at Delaware, I'd say that Delaware would be better. But in your case, I'd say Chicago is worth the $7,000.</p>
<p>I agree, the extra 7k is pennies compared to what I think you'll find at Chicago.</p>
<p>The other thing is, as I've just been informed of by my father, the amount my parents would have to pay is vastly different at the two schools: $14955 at U of C vs. $5,217 at Delaware. Because of this, They could potentially pay more at Delaware and reduce my debt to around $6,000. My heart is telling me that the educational experience at Chicago is worth it, but would a possible $15000 difference be worth it?</p>
<p>$6,000 could easily be earned summers so you could graduate from Delaware debt free. Graduating debt free would allow you more freedom to, for example, choose a lower paying but more interesting job after graduation.</p>
<p>Are your parents willing to pay their EFC at UChicago? If so, I would go with that.</p>
<p>UDel is a good school - my son visited it when the Sci Olympiad Nationals were there, and he considered adding it to his college list as a safetly for a while. If you can be enthusiatic about it, and are very worried about the money, AND it has good or at least solid departments in your areas of interest, it could be a reasonable choice.</p>
<p>The debt is already assuming $2250/yr from my savings and working the job I have now over the summers.</p>
<p>Chicago is the better choice academically. If you and your folks can swing it, then I would say go for Chicago.</p>
<p>My child had the same situation a couple of years ago, except that it is costing us substantially more than it would cost you to go to Chicago. She chose Chicago and we are really sacrificing for it. Is it worth it. Absolutely and there really is no question in my mind that you should choose Chicago with the small cost differential that you are talking about. The experience and education you will receive at Chicago is phenomenal. But, check out the school first, perhaps staying overnight and talking to students and see if you are a good fit.</p>
<p>yeah for the 7k difference this should be a no brainer. The difference between 14k and 21k is quite minescule IMO. Whereas the differnce between the U of C and UDel Honors is vast.</p>