I got accepted into RIT with $29,000 merit-based scholarship for chemical engineering.
They also invited me to the accelerated program for BS and MS, which is 5 years long.
Taking the scholarship into account, I have to pay about $43,000 per year, and maybe a bit less in the last year. I am an international student and I am not eligible for financial aid in this school. My parents said that they could pay for the first year, but then I will have to pay for the rest. I am not sure if studying in RIT is worth it because of its high cost, but also especially because my father is taking out his retirement plan money to pay for my first year, which makes me feel very guilty. As an international student, can I apply for financial aid or apply for student loans in United States once I get a part time job in my freshmen year? My current future plan is starting a business related to the field of chemistry at the end of the college.
The other option is studying in South Korea where my family resides. Due to my circumstances, I don’t think I will be accepted into prestigious and “good” schools, but mediocre colleges. The cost will be about $9,000 per year for tuition, and probably it will be more favorable for my mental health since I will be closer to my family.
Any advice? Thank you…