30k difference each year for four years comes to 120k. That would go a very long way toward paying for your next step after college. Not having to come up with 30k extra each year gives you a lot more flexibility while you are an undergrad too. It means you can take that interesting but underpaid or volunteer research job instead of having to focus on jobs that pay better, have more hours, and eat into your research time.
I’m a parent of 2 Illini. I understand your dilemma. If the difference in the total cost of attendance for your future degree at USC is $30k and your parents can afford it, then go there, since it sounds like you prefer USC. A change in scenery sounds exciting. However, if you’re talking about $30k per year then I would pause and take into serious consideration the pros and cons of each school with a strong ‘cost bias’ toward UIUC.
At 18(?) spending 4 more years in Illinois may seem like an eternity. But from a somewhat older perspective, the financial decision you make now may affect your future choices more than you anticipate. If the full ride allows you to stay in the dorms versus your parents’ home, you are likely to enjoy this newfound independence as long as you have a serious discussion about expectations.
Perhaps with the money saved by attending UIUC you can do one of the (6 week?) summer abroad programs between freshman and sophomore year.
I hope you can talk with your parents. Be ready to share your future goals, your expectations when it comes to your college experience and questions/concerns you have.
Lastly, my older child was a little like you. The prospect of 4 years ‘in the cornfields’ was a little deflating. However, UIUC made the most sense on several levels. Fortunately she accepted the ‘not perfect’ scenario…(wouldn’t everyone like to get a break from midwestern winters?)…and focus on the positives. She took advantage of the available opportunities - double majoring and a very fun semester abroad - and was able to secure the job she wanted, in the city (Chicago) she wanted to live in. Keep in mind that delaying gratification often reaps rewards.
You have to decide if you think your short term pain will result in long term gain. Also if College Confidential is any indication then I would say the trend is toward avoiding debt…in other words ‘avoiding short term pleasure for long term happiness’. Good luck with your decision!
There’s no scenario that I can think of that would make USC a better choice at that cost. That debt would squash you like a California cockroach! Life has a way of throwing expenses at you, especially if you want to get married and start a family. You’re far better off taking the scholarship. Your adult self and future spouse will thank you later
The main obvious academic advantage of USC is that it is easier to change to a different engineering major there compared to UIUC. Whether that is a consideration for the particular student and whether it is worth the extra price is a different question.
120k+ for a change of scenery is probably not the best financial decision one can make. You have your whole live to live in SoCal if that’s where you want to live.
I really appreciate the replies. I’m relatively confident now that I will attend UIUC for my bioengineering bachelors degree and potentially an accelerated masters. I suppose California can wait until I need a phD! I’ll definitely pursue abroad programs.
I’d like to clarify, my UIUC tuition is paid for, but I will still have to cover fees and dorms.
I was only listing the cost of tuition alone for both colleges.
I would stick with UIUC unless the extra $100k of attending USC does not pause a challenge to you or your parents. Also, living near Urbana Champaign does not mean you know what it is like living on campus as a student. I am sure you will have a great time at UIUC. Save the $100k for something more permanent, like a downpayment on a nice house, or perhaps graduate school…or invest it for long term purposes, like marriage, kids, retirement…etc…
Congrats on your acceptances! Nice to have attractive options!
If you’re only counting tuition, total Cost of Attendance makes this all MUCH more expensive, under both options.
Have heard USoCal is about $70k/yr for all expenses x 4 = $280K. Yikes! No idea what costs other than tuition are for UIUC, but suspect they’re much lower than $70k/yr.
