I am debating which of the two I should go to. I have the opportunity to run cross country for UC Merced (NAIA) though I would have around 2-3k in loans the first year. They don’t have my major yet, but they will by my sophomore year (civil engineering). Or I could go to CSU Fresno on a full-ride academic scholarship and most likely not be able to run (NCAA D1). They do have my major, and the scholarship is a part of over arching college of Engineering. Any thoughts?
Go where you can get started with your major right away. Engineering is not a major where you can afford to delay for a whole year. CSU Fresno gives you that and no debt. Can you not run at the club level there?
They don’t seem to have a competitive running club or even a running club at all.
if those are your only 2 options, i think Fresno is the right answer. A school that big will have some way you can continue competitive running. Have you reached out their coach?