KSMITH53

Dear CC members,
I am currently a sophomore seeking transfer into the econ programs of either Northwestern or the University of Ill-Urbana. I was accepted into the latter and I'm awaiting the decision of the former. Nevertheless, I intend to pursue a graduate degree in financial economics and was wondering whether you truly believe the great opportunities of NU's econ would be worth upwards of 1.5 to 2 times the Cost of Attendence of UIUC (I'm instate), and why? Thanks.

suppasonic

It depends. But generally, no. For me, a CA resident, NU was about 4k more expensive per year than Berkeley. I felt the extra money was worth the smaller classes and a chance to get out of state and see a new environment. However, if you are talking about adding extra 40-50K in debt as opposed to my extra 16k, then it might not be worth it.

BK22889

it totally depends on you. everyone here asks about money, or gives comments about money when they aren't asked, and its pointless because no one knows anyone else's financial situation. the 20 grand difference might mean a whole lot to some people, and not a thing to others. sorry, this isn't really concerning you i guess, i also answered you in the transfer forum, but how could we really answer this for you without knowing how much money you have to begin with?

KSMITH53

Thanks for the replies. BK22889 my parents make about 150-200k a year (combined), so it is pretty much middle-of-the-road. Nevertheless, the question could be answered without knowing my financial situation, because if NU provided a much better education and far more opportunies than it would be worth the difference regardless of my financial situation.

APOL

My two cents....our DD attends NU-class of 2011. For us it is a very serious financial obligation(lots of loans!), and worth every penny. She is in an environ where she is surrounded by students from all over the world, intellectually inquisitive, and a broad spectrum of course offerings. The University is large enough to have a variety of activities/ecs and small enough for her to know her professors and advisors.She has elected to pursue two degrees, is involved with film, theatre, member of a sorority, includes environmental issues-part of the group who drafted a successful proposal to the administration to set up a dorm next year that is environmentally conscious. NU is an amazing platform to develop the student, and I think is worth every dime.

EtTuBrutus

UIUC should not be underestimated in its own right. It is a top flight research university. If NU is twice the cost, it is relative. If it is NU 10K more or less that I would maybe choose NU, but if it is waaayyy more than UIUC is fine choice.

BPKO43

Agreed EtTuBrutus, UIUC is an excellent school, even underrated some would say. Although it has recently taken a beating in the rankings for class sizes, TA's, etc, it is a top-notch education extremely well-regarded by employers. One will not be lacking opportunities at either school following your graduation, providing that you do well as an undergrad. Especially if it will be a great burden(NU~50K and UIUC~27K) I'd go with U of I. I'm not especially familiar with the economics program at UIUC, but I know their business school is first class and top-ranked by recruiter....oftentimes econ programs at schools with excellent business programs are also quite good.