@ucbalumnus I will be taking a loan of approx $80,000 … My family isn’t financially well off so my major concern is if the extra debt is worth going to UMich.
According to what I’ve researched and the replies I’ve gotten, the job opportunities are similar, so I’m leaning towards Purdue now…
@bluebayou Thank you! I am leaning towards Purdue now as it will be difficult to pay more money per year because that would mean more debt.
@momofsenior1 I had another question. Do the college counselors at Purdue help you with deciding which courses you should take or do you have to do that on your own?
Sorry, I was under the impression that both schools were affordable for you. So go to your less expensive school if it’s a strain on your family. Outcomes will be similar for most schools at this level.
All school counselors will guide you through the process no matter which school. But it’s a good idea to look at the proposed schedules for your field of study
Most colleges will have a 4 year plan to download. There are essential classes you have to take then there are electives. Those can be based on your interests. If getting a minor that can be added to those. Most will require a set amount of humanities etc but you get to choose which class topic appeals to you. No school is expecting you to do this alone. In fact I would argue to meeting with your advisor once a year or more often could be a really good idea.
https://engineering.purdue.edu/ECE/Academics/Undergraduates/UGO/Curriculum_Resources/index_html
Boiler up! (what does that even mean… Lol ?)
Keep in mind like my kids you can work during the year part time and make $3,000-4,000 depending on how many hours you work. Both find it as a nice break. My son’s current job at Michigan, which is basically meetings so doing it currently online is paying him $16/hour. Most jobs are like $9/10.00/hour
Also I would of normally say but this year is the exception… Over the summer if you get one internship in sophomore/junior year you might be able to make $10,000/or more over the summer. Co-ops are a bigger thing at Purdue and can directly lead to industry jobs. There should be some pay that will help defer your costs. I would look into those opportunities for any summer you can get them.
Purdue has a great advising program! Registering for your first semester happens through a process called STAR Summer Transition Registration Advising. This year it will all be done virtually but Purdue always has V STAR option for students who live too far to travel to campus. https://www.purdue.edu/orientation/vstar/
You will discuss with your advisor which courses you need for FYE and the electives suggested for your intended major. Also what AP or DE credits will transfer. Course registration is officially at the end of July where the computer system will figure out how to maximize everyone’s schedule.
You can also look up the four year plan of study for your major to get a broader sense. Usually FYEs take engineering design, physics, Calc, English and then for an ECE, a CS class.
That all said about Purdue, do you have any more affordable options on the table? 80k is a lot of debt for an undergraduate degree.
$80k would require a cosigner or be parent loan beyond $27k. This is generally a bad idea.
Did you get into any other colleges that require under $27k in debt and have your major?
@momofsenior1 I have my safety schools where I’ve gotten scholarships… But I think I’ll be able to reduce the 80,000 debt by working part-time and doing internships or co-ops during college.
@ucbalumnus I did, but they’re my safety schools.
I’m looking a bit more into the loan-taking process. If I’m unable to take a loan or it’ s too risky, I’ll head for one of my safety schools.
Just food for thought - while co-ops and internships typically pay well for engineering, what happens if there is another wave of COVID -19 or some other catastrophe? The majority of my D’s friends have had their jobs rescinded this summer.
I would think long and hard before taking out any debt right now.
If you have a lower cost option at an ABET accredited program, go there.
@PCyeol. For the experts here to help you fully, you might want to let them know that your safeties are and what your costs will be roughly. You might gain knowledge that you never thought about.
As a note from a school like Michigan /Purdue vs Michigan State /Iowa State your not going to see a huge ROI. All are really good engineering schools. Rank only gives you some of the story . At any large engineering company, you will have first year engineers from Michigan, Purdue, Georgia Tech and Illinois Institute of Technology, Kettering and UIC to name a few. At some point it’s more about ability then rank.
@momofsenior1 I understand… I’ll keep that in mind!
After careful consideration of both colleges, University of Michigan and Purdue, I have decided to go to Purdue! Thank you all so much for helping me, I really appreciate it!
@momofsenior1 @sushiritto @Knowsstuff @ucbalumnus @bluebayou
Congratulations @PCyeol !!!
Boiler Up! Congratulations!
Methinks its a terrible idea to borrow that kinda money for undergrad. Many are speaking of potential internships etc that are normally available but these are not normal times. Who knows when intern hiring will come back.
Better to find less expensive options, and/or considered a community college for two years and then transfer to Purdue (to cut the debt in half).
“I will be taking a loan of approx $80,000 … My family isn’t financially well off so my major concern is if the extra debt is worth going to UMich.”
Then you definitely made the right choice, as others have mentioned I thought the colleges were both affordable with one a little more affordable than the other. Good luck!
congrats
Congratulations! Boiler Up!
To everyone on this thread: relatively new to CC (first one going to college this fall) and have basically just been a stat poster but wanted to say this is an exceptional thread and thank you to you all. Knowledgeable posters providing really good advice without any real bias.
@PCyeol - you got some excellent advice and good luck at Purdue.
Thanks to all of you that contributed. These are the types of threads that make CC so valuable to students and parents going through the college process