Such great feedback - YES. Our next discussion with him is to compare what each scenario would mean for him, namely what limitations he would have with the more expensive option and how that will cascade into his post college life. Thank you!
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It may require some loans towards the end when our kids overlap. We want to avoid this because the list above says it all - if this major sticks, these are great starting salaries but they wonât help you get rid of $100K in debt quickly. Having these exchanges of perspective and experience is so helpful - thank you!
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This is a really good point. If he wants to be a PGA pro, probably the specialized major. If he just wants to work his way into marketing at Titleist of something, perhaps the general track.
I wish you were his guidance counselor! 
Thank you for all of this feedback. The lure of the PGA accredited program is that you get your degree AND you get your PGA card and job placement at the end. You can get your PGA card without going through the programs for sure. For us, this will keep him motivated and engaged while getting his college degree which is huge. But so many wise nuggets in here to reflect on!
This is a much needed pep talk to pull us out of the âwhat ifâ and emotional side of it. You raise a good point about away being away. And as another poster pointed out, we can use the money we save to mitigate any geographic discomfort in Nebraska like extra flights home, etc. Thank you!
He has two more in state applications pending. He has acceptances to Nebrasksa and PSU for the specific golf management, accepted to sports management at Ohio University, pending applications at Miami of Ohio and University of Cincinnati. We would only look at out of state for the golf programs.
Did he consider the length of the golfing season when applying? More options for interning when the courses are actuallyâŠopen.
This is my worry about Nebraska - great program, great support for him academically (he needs that) but if heâs not happy it will backfire. We canât force it. You raise an important thought - both might be off the table.
I feel you! He did not want to pursue the smaller schools. We visited North Carolina State, but they disbanded the program right after we visited. This could be a crossroads as the Feb 1 and March 1 deadlines close in - if Nebraska and PSU are off the table for different reasons and he really wants this golf management program, he needs to be open to something smaller. Mississippi State felt too far and he didnât pursue it.
Yes - he is very sure he wants a large school experience.
Heâs into the sports mgmt program at Ohio, which is in state for you? Seems as if that, or maybe Miami for the smaller atmosphere, are the no-brainer options.
There is a certain point at which the parents have to say, âDarling, this is what we can manage for you. Be glad we can afford it, and be grateful.â
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I loved Ohio University when I went there in the Stone Age. Visited with friends a few years ago. What a great campus.
IIRC, Ohio does freeze costs for all four yearsâŠscroll down and read about the Ohio Guarantee.
Thank you for such a thoughtful reply and for sharing your daughterâs experience! You touched on such a tricky dynamic of this moment in time which is we cannot expect this 17 year old boy to truly internalize the future consequences of these âright nowâ decisions. Heâll of course do anything to go to PSU today⊠but itâs up to us to put up those guardrails to that will benefit him later.
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We visited the program at Eastern Kentucky! I LOVED it. I was really rooting for it but while he loved the program director and staff, he was not feeling a fit with the overall college and campus. I thought for sure we had found the perfect balance of price and location.
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I mean, I cannot argue with your point. Ha. The internships happen in the summer and all the programs have indoor facilities set up for the winter.
THIS is amazing and I am also a Bobcat! So I have to temper my enthusiasm so I donât derail his interest.
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I feel like I should Venmo you a therapy payment. Yes, Ohio is in state which we are very lucky to be able to afford. I think Iâm going to memorize this last sentence.
Nebraska was my schoolâs arch rival and we still pretty much hate (or pity) them, but I donât think Nebraska is that bad a choice. It is not snowed in 10 months of the year and Iâd be surprised if golf courses arenât open 9-10 months a year. Heck, I grew up in Wisconsin and those truly devoted found a way to golf (no walking on the greens!) most months (or they drove to places they could play for the weekend - Vegas baby). In Denver, there is golfing 12 months of the year. It snowed here on Thursday and today it is 45 and people are out golfing.
Anyway, Nebraska is easy to get to (easier than Penn State). Its agriculture majors are top too, in case he becomes more interested in golf course design or maintenance. A friend (from Wisconsin) went to U Maryland and majored in golf course maintenance and ended up in Steamboat Springs CO as the manager of the town golf courses (and was a ski patrol in the winter) and it was a great career. He was involved in all the finances and management.
So I say donât spend money you donât have. If he goes to a school like Nebraska and doesnât like it, he can always transfer (assume the PGA program is the same at most of the schools so he shouldnât lose any ground in the major if he transfers). Nebraska is big but not huge like Penn State.
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I assume thereâs no merit aid at PSU because they give merit to almost no one
So he has nothing to lose by giving Nebraska a try, right? If he doesnât like it he could transfer.
(This is the deal we made with our son. He hasnât left yetđ)
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I appreciate your perspective and familiarity with Nebraska! You bring up a good point about transferring - I mean, he would not hate it. Itâs such a fun vibe there with all the school spirit. But as we talked about with another poster above, this option to transfer could also be part of the âwhat we can do to make you more comfortableâ conversation. Itâs not a terrible flight to get there.
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