Money vs. Reputation

devotchka
Mon, 05 Jul 2010 22:50:05 +0000

Currently I am going to a no-name school in Boston that’s costing me what I feel is a fortune. I’ve been going to Simmons College for a year now and even after I was accepted into the honors program, the financial aid is just not cutting it.
I thought, “I’ll transfer to BC, BU, or Brandeis and pay the same amount for a reputable school.” BU gave my best friend **** financial aid and I’d have to sell my kidney if I wanted to attend. I don’t believe in myself enough to apply to BC and Brandeis, well, I just picked it because it’s well-known.
I’m a French major. There aren’t that many schools that specialize in languages in MA. Actually, I don’t know of any, so if anyone here does I’d appreciate the enlightenment. My point is, should I even spend that much money on my education when I could get it cheaper at UMAss? I’m living off-campus with a friend and I live near UMAss, so why not? Is the school’s reputation that important, or is it dependent on the student to get the best out of their education regardless of the institution?
Should I take the risk of applying to BC or Brandeis and getting in debt? Or should I go to UMass Boston and take a plethora of classes for less than half the price of a private school?

Side-note: I’ve already been accepted to UMass.

Any advise is appreciated.