<p>I live in Houston and the University of Texas has been my number one choice throughout this entire application process. I got accepted to TX Tech, LSU, Colorado, Florida, and Tulane. Then Texas gave me CAP, which means I would have to go to San Antonio for one year before I go to the main campus in Austin. I was pretty much set on UT-san antonio until I get an acceptance letter in the mail from CAL BERKELEY! I really couldn't believe it. But even though it is the number one public school in the country, it may not be practical. My parents said along with my aunt they would be able to pay for it if I wanted to go there. OUt of state tuition would end up being a lot of money- close to about 50K a year, after all the expenses are counted up. At UT, I'd be paying about 15K per year. I know that Berkeley would be a great experience, but realistically, would it be worth the money ? Or should I just work to end up at University of Texas? Thanks, any responses are appreciated, I'm having a tough time making a decision.</p>
<p>It depends on the field you plan to pursue to some extent...</p>
<p>A lot of guys face exactly your situation - should I go to a public school or a private one with a name, instate public or out of state public. Is the cost worth it? Yes, UCB has a world-wide reputation and "wow" factor when you travel even outside the US.</p>
<p>Look at the unbiased ranking compiled by Shanghai Jiao Tong University (done to see how competitive Chinese Universities are w.r.t. world universities).
Academic</a> Ranking of World Universities - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Unlike US News, this is much more realistic ranking as it is more unbiased.</p>
<p>For you is it worth attaching the Berkeley name to your accomplishments? I think in the long run yes; cause 20 years from now people will still look up to you with the Berkeley name. You probably are feeling guilty asking your parents/aunt to foot the bill. If that is the case, remember you can repay them when you work, or find a campus job to reduce your dependency.
But there could be other factors that make you waffle, such as distance from home. That is something you have to look internally and decide. In the end you should take up what you feel good about, so you will enjoy your college years.
So don't seek other people advise; do what your gut says...</p>
<p>I disagree. 20 years from now where you went to college will have practically no relevance. Instead your 15-16 years worth of work experience and recommendations will be far more important. Cal is a great school but i dont believe its worth 35,000 more a year. The only benefit you would get is prestige. The teaching quality will be the same at both schools. Both will hage huge intro classes with 300+ students. Please dont say that Cal's award winning professors means that they are better lecturers, because thats completely false (thats my experience and i go to UCLA). In your situation i would choose UT over Cal and UCLA for that matter. I understand your parents are willing to foot the bill but think about the massive amount of money that is (around 140,000 grand). Plus what major are you planning on going into? If its one of the lower paying majors think about how many years it would take you to pay off your debt (assuming your parents didnt foot the bill). You said it yourself, you like UT so the choice is pretty simple.</p>
<p>Don't buy into the whole prestige thing. Im having a great time at UCLA but im sure i would have had just as great a time at UCI or UCSD. Your gonna love whatever college you go to since college is such a great time anyway. The added prestige to your degree isnt worth 35K a year, especially when you're considering the flagship university of your state anyway.</p>
<p>It's not worth the extra money, since you have a very good in-state school you can go to.</p>
<p>100% agree with 126230. My son went to UCSD (comp engineering) many years ago. He had a great time there. He worked for 2 yrs right after his graduation and today he is a Ph.D student at Cal. He also got accepted to MIT which has more prestige but he picked Cal because he felt he would be happier. I think young people around here (CC) put too much emphasis on this prestige thing. </p>
<p>Believe me, you will grow pass this when you are getting older. Save your parents’ money for Grad school if you plan to attend in your future. Remember Cal prestige really came from the Grad school which is very good according to my son.</p>
<p>Good luck at UT Austin.</p>
<p>UC Berkeley Cost:
$26,784 (OOS Tuition) + $13,848 (R&B) = $40632</p>
<p>UT Austin Cost:
$7,670 (IS Tuition) + $8,576 (R&B) = $16246</p>
<p>Difference:
$40632-$16246 = $24386</p>
<p>4 x $24386 = $97544</p>
<p>You're looking at nearly 100k there. Berkeley's a great school, no doubt, but paying an extra 100k to attend is just silly.</p>
<p>Save your family some money, go to UT.</p>
<p>Depending upon your major, UCal at Berkeley could be a great--but full priced--deal. Do you want to major in the sciences or engineering, if so, Berkeley may be worth every penny. Downside--besides cost--is that it is nearly impossible to graduate in less than four years, but most don't want to leave anyway. Congratulations! P.S. Although, years down the road, employers may not care where you went to undergraduate school, it will significantly define who you are & how you see the world. UCal @ Berkeley may be the nation's most exciting & largest activist campus. If financials are doable without straining the families' lifestyles and future obligations, then definitely consider Berkeley!</p>
<p>Not worth it. I would never pay 50k a year to go to any undergrad, let alone here. Listen to the above posters, save your money for grad school.</p>
<p>By the way, UT-Austin is a great school.</p>
<p>wow im under the same dilemma.
for me, berkeley would be around $45k more than UT austin.</p>
<p>idk what to do either. i'm leaning toward berkeley though.....</p>