Help me choose my college?

College Search & Lists
1

<p>I’m 4/4 for college acceptances, but I’m only really considering two schools. I’m also planning to be a Physical Therapist.</p>

<p>The first one is Cal State Long Beach. The upsides are that it’s only 10 minutes from home, it’s got a good reputation around my area, and it’s cheap. The downsides are that it’s NOTORIOUSLY impacted, most people I know don’t graduate in four years (or even six), and I don’t know if I’d be able to find a niche there because it’s so big (mainly because I can’t join the dance team, which is a given considering they’re just too dang good.) Plus, I’d still need to apply to a DPT program somewhere, and I heard the competition is tough. I figure it’d cost me around $90,000-$110,000 for the entirety of it, provided I want to stay with Long Beach.</p>

<p>And another thing that may impact it: I applied as a English major (for HS Education) so I might have to navigate that whole mess as well.</p>

<p>The second is St. Kate’s. It’s a really small women’s college in St. Paul. It’s a woman’s college, it’s in a completely different part of America, and it’s a private, if that tells you anything about the cost. However, I got accepted into a 6 year program for a DPT with a $25,000/year scholarship (it’s for 4 years) as well as their Honors Program (which means I get first pick for classes.) I don’t have to worry about applying for Grad school because I’m in, provided I fulfill their requirements. For student life, there’s an abundance of Harry Potter fans to the point of having an entire learning community devoted to it. (So I may find friends yet.) However, I still have to worry about the ~$120,000 price tag for the next 6 years.</p>

<p>Long story short, my predicament is basically this: Do I go to a school where I have to go to 9+ years of education but still come out with less of a debt, or do I go to a school where I get out quicker, but pay up more? What would you do?</p>

2

<p>Frankly, I think BOTH those costs are too high. Do you have better financial aid on the other two schools? Since you’re happy to stay close to home, could you start at a community college and transfer, to save money for grad school?</p>

<p>How set are you on that major? Many (most?) people change majors some time. What if you change - will St. Kate’s be able to handle whatever you may change to?</p>

<p>Your total debt is “supposed to be” no more than your expected first year salary. But maybe that’s difference with a master’s requirement. Does a PT support that debt level?</p>

<p>But leaving money completely out of the equation since I think both of the financials are bad, I’d go with St. Kate’s. You seem more enthusiastic about it, and the knowing you’re in for the grad school program is nice.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

3

<p>Can your parents afford St Kate’s? If so go there. If not start at a CCC and then transfer to a Cal State.</p>