My family would be able and willing to swing the 40-something a year for one of the non-OSU options, which I’m of course endlessly thankful for – so I would be the only one going into debt, and it would be the federal limits of 5,500 first-year, 6,500 second-year, etc.
Assuming I do opt for one of those options, would any of them be preferable over the others in your opinion?
I was only able to visit UMD, and although it was a beautiful campus and nothing in particular rubbed me the wrong way, I was having such a bad day for other reasons that I ended up having a panic attack on the way back. So, although I have a negative association there, it’s definitely not fair. The housing I saw looked nice too, and of course it’s a large school with great options for me to pursue music and law as hobbies/minors.
I didn’t get to visit UNC or GaTech.
I know Georgia is probably the most “well-known” one, especially for computer science, but my fear is just that I’ll be shoehorned into the computer/STEM option, and not be able to pursue my love of music and law and history – maybe it’s a stereotype, but it’s still scary to think about every room being filled with compsci majors. Not to mention, because it’s so STEM-focused, there’s a comparatively tiny music program, same with law.
UNC-CH is the most expensive, but also the only one where I know someone who attends. She absolutely loves it, and she’s studying Psych but has been able to join orchestras, etc. – so everythink I know about UNC is positive right now. Especially it’s position in the research triangle also appeals to me, since I’m doing CS research right now at a local college and I love it.
Any thoughts? Would GaTech be the only one worth the cost/debt in terms of having the name on the resume? Or would Maryland/UNC be comparable as still well-known colleges in their own rights, with more broad opportunities beyond straight CS/Engi?
Thanks!