<p>I dropped out of highschool and began working in positions related to the degree I am seeking (B.S. Business Administration - Concentration in Accounting), my plan is to become a CPA. I’d like to eventually start a firm or work my way up the corporate ladder.</p>
<p>I have been going to a community college since Fall 08 and have a 3.91 GPA and 33 credits while working. I now have 7 years experience in small sized companies. I’d like to continue my education by transferring to a top notch college. The schools I’m most interested in are Bentley University and Northeastern University. I was interested in maybe doing the 5 year masters program available (2 degrees/5 years (minus my transfers)). If I did this I most likely would not be able work the whole time in school (other then internships and co-op work). I’m fortunate enough to be a few months away from moving into co-op housing which would make my living expense close to nothing (if I wasn’t working). However, I do not have savings, my parents are deceased, I am a first time (future) graduate, and a single mother. Where I am now (Northern Essex Community College), I end up getting a check back every semester, nice tax benefits and zero loans because of scholarships and grants. I realize that this is not the case for my future, but is it feasible to attend one of these schools in my situation? I have basically zero money available for out of pocket expense and will need money to cover expenses other then rent.</p>
<p>I’m trying to analyze my choice based on what I have to give up as well</p>
<p>Cost of my education:</p>
<p>Not working for the next 3-5 years (30K-50K a year)
Minus internships, co-op working and part time positions
Minus the savings in my co-op living expenses from not working (1/3 of income)
Amount of loans taken for the next 3-5 years</p>
<p>Deciding if a college is worth it:</p>
<p>Cost of loans to go to Bentley or Northeastern
Or
Cost of loans to go to state colleges through joint admissions programs (13K-1/3 of tuition)
Plus the pay increase based on school of graduation (will I get the better paying job or move up the ladder faster if I go to a better school? Will my internships be better paid and from better companies for future employment)
Plus the feeling of knowing I went to a great school</p>
<p>I hope you get great aid, because I’d hate to see a young single mom strapped with big student loans. You won’t likely have a lot of extra money when you get your first job after graduation. </p>
<p>Maybe people here can suggest which Mass schools would likely give you the best free aid.</p>
<p>You may have to go a cc for another year so that you can transfer as a junior (60+ credits). You’ll borrow less that way, too. :)</p>
<p>Just a couple random thoughts. You might want to apply to Bentley, Northeastern and a public and make a decision based on how your aid vs. the cost of attendence before you make decisions. At the very least you might want to either connect with admissions and finaid at these schools via phone or in person this summer when they will have more time and see if you can get a sense how these schools might fit your financial situation and potential work situation (if you keep working). You might also want to look into Bentley and Northeastern to see just how many non-traditional students are going through their programs. You are non-traditional in the sense that you have already been working and probably older than the traditional 18-22 year old students and you are a single mother. In terms of how it will impact you as to your future work situations, clearly the degree and the credentials will work in your favor. How fast or how quickly will depend mostly on you. Will your current employer fund part of your education?</p>
<p>You might also check and see if any of your work experience could count as college credit. Some schools will call it “Independent Study” – you might have to do some documentation or reporting on the experience, but it can be a short cut for older students. </p>
<p>I don’t know that you necessarily will get better pay if you go to a “better” name college – altho the colleges would like you to believe that! Some companies pay based on years with the company. So five years with Co = more $$$ than 3 years, no matter where the degree is from. </p>
<p>What a better name college MIGHT have is better connections with companies. You can email the career centers from each college and ask “where did your accounting majors end up working last year?” It may be that one of the schools has a stronger accounting program than the other. </p>
<p>I went to a state school (Texas A&M) and I have to say that state schools can be very, very pragmatic in their courses and connections. Definitely keep an open mind about the state schools. Check them out throughly. Your choice as an alum may be a State school decal on your new Lexus or a “Northeastern” decal on your rusty 1988 Vanagon depending on how much debt you rack up. Me, I’m real happy with my state school education. </p>
<p>College IS worth it. It is worth it in part to your child who will see you valuing education enough to really strive for it. But college is NOT worth missing your kid’s childhood or burying yourself under a mountain of debt. Finding a path where you get the degree but still have a life is the tricky stuff. Good luck.</p>