Alabama National Merit Package vs. Georgia Tech in-state HOPE

I’m trying to decided whether to go to Georgia Tech or to University of Alabama on their national merit finalist package.

I have zel miller and I am in-state for Georgia Tech, so tuition is covered but nothing else. My parents would be able to help with 5000 per year but everything after that would have to be loans.

Alabama is full tuition, 4000 per semester, and free + guaranteed housing.

I am applying for Computer science but may switch to Electrical Engineering. I would pick georgia tech barring costs.

I’m really struggling with this decisions and would love some opinions, but also personal experiences for anyone who went to either Alabama on this scholarship or Georgia Tech (I really want to know about finding cheap housing as an upperclassman).

Thank you!

Bama is tuition for 5 years (think Masters), room for four and $4k per year, not semester as you stated. There is a one time $2k for summer or research too. In essence the $4k can help pay board.

It looks like room and board is $14.5k or so at Ga Tech. All schools cost more than published costs -pizza Friday night, ball game, books, transport . Bama says food is $5316 that may not be full - you have to see if it’s 3 meals a day . But the $4k will pay for most of that.

So you need likely, after your food, another $12k a year at Tech after your folks contribute and a few thousand for books and more. You can borrow $5500 the first and $27k over four years - so where will you get the rest ? If you can’t, there’s your answer. Now if you have summer jobs, etc you can bridge that gap.

So advantages to Bama are cost, free Masters (engineering or business but not housing for that 5th year) and I’d argue a nicer campus but that is subjective. Additionally, like my son, you’d have your own dorm room and bathroom shared with one of in Ridgecrest. It’s why my son went to Bama over Purdue. That may not matter to you.

Advantages for Tech is you favor it and you are thinking of changing majors. I know all get a free major change there. I don’t know about Bama but you can ask. I’m sure you’re also on the ranking and likely outcome page. I will tell you and it’s a sample of one but my son interned and lived with two Ga Tech kids one summer. Other intern and co ops were UT, UTK, Tennessee Tech, Ole Miss, Miss State, LSU and I’m sure more. So in the real world you’d likely be working with or for people from all schools - whether perceived top like UT / Ga Tech or others.

It’s a tough call. If you can figure out the finances or if your folks are willing to take a small loan, then you can do Tech. If not, then your choice is made because you can’t buy what you can’t afford.

Honestly, it’s win win either way.

If you’re a go getter, you will create opportunity from each.