True, I didn’t think about the fact that my merit aid at Tech is only for 4 years. Also, I would get sick of driving/flying between home and Atlanta multiple times, and probably would need to use my own savings for that because my parents will already be paying everything they saved for college. I think UMD is good for the proximity to home, especially in cases of emergencies (earlier this year their hot water heating was broken because of the snowstorm, and many students came home, not sure about the likelihood of this happening at Tech, but I certainly couldn’t ask my parents to pick me up if I go to school 10 hours away vs 1.5-2 hours away).
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Yes, my parents have said that the money is for me, and if I don’t use it for school it will just be to help me after college (for a down payment, investing, etc). However financial situations change and it’s possible (though hopefully unlikely) that my parents will need that $60k.
Please let us know what you choose. Congrats again on these great acceptances.
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As far as graduating in 4 years, I think it depends on the student and whether they come in with any hours. Not unusual to graduate in four years from Georgia Tech at all, but many students have co-ops and internships that extend their time. My 2023 grad had four internships and graduated in 4 1/2 years/December. My current Georgia Tech student will have two internships and a three semester co-op and will also graduate in December so in 4 1/2 years
The job experience has been very valuable in getting multiple offers and setting them up for graduate success. My junior is in the process of interviewing for very competitive summer 2027 internships right now and don’t think they would’ve made it to the interview/final round without these other experiences on their résumé.
We are in state so free tuition. Definitely a different calculus if you are out of state, but many many students graduate in four years and those that don’t generally have great intern/co op experience that makes extended time worth it. . It’s more difficult with some majors than others as they require more hours.
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But did you pay for an extra semester or was it still 8 semesters of school intermixed with the coops and internships?
My D technically took 5 years to graduate from Purdue but it was still only the standard 8 semesters of tuition/school.
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Good point. And the answer is yes. I would have to count them up but eight semesters max I think. The one with five internships did study abroad one summer but three of the five internship sessions are fall or spring. Now with co-ops, you will end up paying for summer classes as well for at least one summer based on your rotation
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But to note, the internships and co-ops are paid opportunities, so that can be counterbalanced by tuition costs.
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This is simplified but…UMD in-state in “only” $26k/year (maybe a little more if they upcharge for engineering). Why pay twice that for another school? Save a hundred grand and use it for grad school or a house.
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UMD is $35k/yr for me, I was wondering how you got $26k?
Also, probably should have asked this before but are the professors at either school particularly better? According to Rate My Professors the Tech professors have much better reviews, but not sure how much this actually matters.
It all depends on who fills out the surveys - and some “game” to show their school better. But both likely have good and not good profs.
These are the 2026/27 direct costs - meaning to the school- $30,034 – not sure if there’s an engineering surcharge - some schools charge more (except Alabama which charges less if a 30 ACT) for engineering majors. The higher # you quote includes books, estimated personal expenses, transport costs - but those are guestimates by the schools. Best to use direct feels to compare. Ga Tech would be $49,720 and if you got $5K ,$44,720 - but again, that’s just $$ to the school. Not transport, entertainment, pizza runs, spring break, books, etc.
You clearly want to go to Tech - have that money discussion with your parents - including - how will it impact future expenditures - will it make it so they are gone vs. UMD, they can help you.. or it won’t.
Annual tuition
$11,014
Mandatory fees
$1,820
On-Campus housing, cable & phone
$10,290
On-Campus Food plan (average)
$7,180
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I committed to UMD! Thanks for all of the help everyone!
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Congrats - and best of luck. Fine school.
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Congratulations!
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Welcome to UMD and, as a Terp, to the B1G.
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I was counting just tuition, housing, and food plan. Obviously there are other expenses, but some of those can vary student to student (like travel) and each school uses different figures for things like “misc personal expenses, so I use just tuition, housing food to compare apples to apples.
So UMD is $30k and GA Tech is $50k for tuition, mandatory fees, housing, food plan.
And, of course, they go up every year.
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Just saw you committed to UMD - go Terps!
Get involved, be proactive, take advantage of all it has to offer - and have a great time!
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