<p>I’m a transfer student leaving community college & am torn as to which school I should choose for my remaining two years. Suggestions/advice might be helpful.
I can either go to UIC (University of Illinois Chicago), a big state school, completely for FREE (grants & scholarships cover my resident tuition) OR
I can go to Mount Holyoke College, one of the Seven Sisters on the east coast, a private liberal arts school, very highly ranked, but would have to take about $12,000 in federal loans for my remaining two years. I got the rest covered in scholarship. I know this isn’t very much in relation to what other students borrow, but I feel very phobic of loans, as I see so many friends in debt for so long after they graduate. Then again, will I not get a well-paying job in the future to easily pay off this $12,000 (+ interest) ?
So, free state school vs. cheap Seven Sisters school…</p>
<p>Go to Mt Holyoke. For $12k in debt, the experience will be worth it. MHC is a much better school than UI-C.</p>
<p>Besides, you can minimize the debt by being economical, working over the summer, and working part-time during the school year.</p>
<p>Seconded. What m2ck said.</p>
<p>Another vote for MHC here. $12k total debt for your last two years of college is less than the full federal loans for those two years. This is a very good deal. MHC would not have admitted you if you were not an extremely desirable student. This is a terrific opportunity.</p>
<p>I live near Mount Holyoke College - it is a beautiful place! If you want some ‘big school’ atmosphere just sign up for a couple courses or join an organization at UMASS through the 5 college consortium and ride the shuttle bus up to UMASS.</p>
<p>It really depends on the vibe you want. If MHC is where you think you would be the happiest, do it! The money you would be in debt really is not a lot. I will be $5,000 in debt total for undergrad, but I have accepted that as a reality. If you are not okay with that, go to the free state school.</p>
<p>I’m not a big fan of taking out loans paying for school … but at the level of $12k total it’s a no brainer to pick MHC IF you have a strong preference for MHC. Two very-very different choices … I’d go with your preference. </p>
<p>You didn’t provide a lot of detail but you may be able to lower the $12k loan total by working during school and during breaks and the summer. Good luck with you choice!</p>
<p>I’d absolutely go to MHC. Great school. My D has a good friend there who loves it.</p>
<p>Why don’t you try getting into UIUC in-state?</p>
<p>Another vote for Mt. Holyoke!
If you were incurring 100K debt to do it, I would say no. But you have a sweet deal on your hands!</p>
<p>Why don’t you try getting into UIUC in-state?</p>
<p>probably too late for that, and likely won’t get the merit aid that made UIC so cheap.</p>