Worth the Money?

I’m currently in the processing of transferring away from the University of Central Florida. I’ve narrowed my search down to Ohio University, Emerson College, and Tulane University. Tulane is my top choice, and I would study Digital Media Production if I enrolled. That said, it’s incredibly expensive. While they offered a great financial aid package for my first year there, it could potentially be cut in half once my sister graduates. My family and I estimate I would leave Tulane with $40-50,000 in debt. Has anyone run into a similar situation? How did you handle it, and is Tulane worth the cost? I’d love to attend but not sure how realistic or practical it would be. I welcome any advice you might have.

I visited Tulane earlier this year and found it to be an amazing place for four years if study. The size was great, allowing for many interactions while also providing opportunities for each individual. I’d advise you to visit all three if you haven’t already. While Tulane is very highly regarded, the other two are superb as well. My friend at Emerson loves it, and if you want to go into something like digital media production or similar it offers many great programs and like minded students. Many students in my area also choose to attend Ohio. Pay attention to how much you can afford, and have the conversation with your family (as I have heard many times!)

I would love to know why you are transferring away from UCF. Thanks!

Just to add, I will not be attending Tulane because of the financial aid, which is not as good as some other universities. However, if you can swing it, it is a great place to be.

My daughter would also graduate $50,000 in debt and we would have to borrow that much too. I think she is leaning to the Honors College at the College of Charleston, which even as an out of state student will be much, much more affordable.

Remember, 50K of debt is $500 a month for 10 years. I would not do it unless 50K is not that much for your personal and family situation. DD attends Tulane now, it is great, but not 50K of debt better than the other schools you mention.

I appreciate all the responses. Thinking realistically I’m leaning towards Ohio.

@confusedaboutuni I’m leaving UCF for a variety of reasons. There are other places better suited to the degree I’m after and it’s also way too much of a commuter school for my taste. There’s not much of a sense of community on campus and it’s empty once classes end for the day, so it kind of feels like a re-run of high school. There’s a lot to like about it but it’s not a place I can imagine attending for 4 years.