<p>Once someone has a Ph.D. (which is the entry-level degree for almost any job in Genetics or other Bio-industries), where the undergrad degree was completed is immaterial for employment. What matters isn’t even where the Ph.D. was earned, but rather where and in what topics subsequent Post-Doctoral research has been completed. </p>
<p>I do recognize that things can be different for other professional fields. The OP would be well advised to consider employment prospects for other majors as well.</p>
<p>Fair enough. My experience does not relate to a a Ph.D (yet)…</p>
<p>Would Chicago give the OP a better shot at earning a Ph.D at a first choice institution?</p>
<p>Would Chicago expose the OP to more accomplished scientists in his field of interest who could expose him to the research opportunities he sought and/or connections in the private sector and at other academic institutions?</p>
<p>and perhaps most importantly-</p>
<p>Would Chicago position the OP best if he wanted to leave his options open?</p>
<p>Again, don’t know all the answers, but these are important questions beyond the loan issues. A school as well-regarded as Chicago should not be dismissed without considering the long term implications and potential missed opportunities.</p>
<p>trekslxchick - how do you know the loan debt would be 30K? I’m the only one who put numbers in and I used that number as a “maybe cut off” high limit. I agree that one would want to consider all options with that level and lower. It’d be absolutely off the table at our house with more than that as a difference. I’d still be leaning Kansas if the debt difference is 30K.</p>
<p>I suspect if one checked Kansas’ grads they would find plenty who get into grad school and grad school is the ultimate goal with that desired future. </p>
<p>I still also wonder why there weren’t other options… or if there are.</p>
<p>Payscale has the ROI (after aid) of Chicago at 10.6% vs Kansas at 9%. That really isn’t a huge difference. Granted it’s an overall average vs a major dependent average, but one never knows if the student will end up changing majors too.</p>
<p>If we take the numbers for Chicago without aid (since there doesn’t appear to be much), Chicago only gets 7.9% - essentially no difference, but lower in reality.</p>
<p>Many posters on cc value prestige. Real life doesn’t always put the same value on it.</p>
<p>Terrible debt is never a good thing IME.</p>
<p>The only students I’ve come across who regretted their college degree are those who have oodles of debt to pay off afterward. Others may end up not using their degree, but they don’t regret getting it.</p>
<p>In 2011 at the time of graduation, about 25% of Northwestern University graduates were unemployed, doing volunteer work, part-time employed, etc. Think twice about goping into substantial debt.</p>
<p>You can get into any grad school you need to from KU, given excellent grades and test scores. The needed research opportunities will be available at KU as they are at all research universities, be it a higher rated one (NU) or a lower rated one (say KU or Iowa State).</p>
<p>IMO, Kansas is the better choice for you. You want to be close to your little brother. That carries a lot of weight in my book. College isn’t about the most prestigious school, or even the “reachiest” academics. There are many factors, including fit. From what you are saying, Kansas is the best fit for you. You can still go to grad school and you will be happier because you chose the closer school for undergrad. The lower cost just seals the deal.</p>
<p>Assuming your degree at KU would be fully accredited, it’s a solid choice. And there’s KU Jayhawks basketball… which is pretty cool I’d think.</p>
<p>But U of Chicago is great. </p>
<p>And if you decided to go after a PhD, that U of Chicago degree would wield some serious weight.</p>
<p>Rather than fret over it, just wait for the necessary info to come in. Maybe U Chicago will turn out to cost way too much, pushing you into KU.</p>
<p>Maybe the Fin Aid package will turn out great and you’ll choose U of C. Silver lining: you can drive eight hours now and then, especially when it’s family calling. Or meet them halfway for a day or two of fun somewhere.</p>