Which school to pick??

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I wanted to get some other people's opinions on which school they would pick. I live in NJ and I'm really close with my family. However, we're middle class..so we don't get any financial aid and I haven't really received any merit aid (nothing significant, at least). I plan on majoring in Engineering- either Mechanical or Industrial.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Georgia Tech (Cost 40k). This was one of my favorite schools. I loved the atmosphere, campus, and academic programs. Though it's far away from NJ, I have family that I could occasionally visit ~1 hour away.</p></li>
<li><p>PennState University Park (41k). Indifference.</p></li>
<li><p>Lehigh University (50k). I liked the campus, and it's about an hour away. I don't know if it's work the 50k though.</p></li>
<li><p>Rutgers University (25k). This would be the New Brunswick Campus. I live relatively close to Rutgers, and for some reason, I've never liked it. I've always said "I'd never go there"...but I'm not too sure what to do with the costs.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>My parents have stated that they would pay for what it would cost for me to go to Rutgers for 4 years...I'd have to cover any other expenses beyond that (if I go to an out-of-state school).</p>

2

<p>I vote for Rutgers. You get out debt free and have a good education in engineering. however, you may think differently.</p>

3

<p>Lehigh would cost put you 100k in debts, it’s a no brainer. Don’t go there.
60k for a school that you don’t like, forget about Penn State.</p>

<p>It then comes to Rutgers and Georgiatech, 60k is a lot of money if you have to take a loan. It’s enough money to buy a house or several very nice car. I’ll forget about tech if I were you.</p>

<p>Congratulations ! You are a Rutgers student now !</p>

4

<p>$60,000 to $100,000 in debt for any of your non-Rutgers options seems like a bad idea.</p>

5

<p>Since you’re close, I’d recommend visiting Rutgers and staying with a student to see if you can see yourself there. Finances are important, but you do have to enjoy the school you pick – wouldn’t you rather avoid re-applying to schools if you wanted to transfer? Plus a visit with a student may help you fall in love with the school!</p>