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Is it worth going to my dream school if it costs significantly more than an acedemically comparable school?

I am a high school junior, and I am unsure of if I should choose my dream school (Notre Dame) over a school that is about as good but less expensive. I obviously have not applied to any schools yet, but I am trying to prepare for when I do. #college #financial-aid #choosing-a-college #colleges #finance

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Jacob’s Answer

Hi, Gordon,


Excellent question. I will answer it by asking one of you: do YOU think it's worth it? The fact of the matter is that there is no right or wrong answer. For some, it might be worth it. For others, maybe not. As I thought about your question, I came up with some items I think are relevant for you to consider as you make this decision:

  • What do you ultimately want to do? Does Notre Dame offer a program that is nationally renowned that you would not otherwise be able to find elsewhere?
  • Do you anticipate pursuing a graduate degree? Doing so will significantly impact your total tuition costs.
  • What does your financial aid situation look like? Will you be paying for college on your own? Have you found scholarships/grants to apply for? Are you prepared to apply for Federal Aid (FAFSA: https://fafsa.ed.gov/)? Will you work during your college tenure?
  • Introspection is key here. If you Notre Dame is your dream school and you chose to go somewhere more inexpensive, would you be disappointed? I think you are right - the difference between the education you get at an expensive, private school like Notre Dame and elsewhere is probably not significant. Weigh the pros and cons. Try to think about it from both perspectives - envision yourself at Notre Dame and envision yourself at a different school. How do you feel?

I hope this answer helps. Many of your peers are likely going through a similar struggle right now. Tuition costs were certainly a factor for me. I started with Federal Aid, Private Loans, scholarships, and a job. College is expensive no matter where you go. Planning for your financing will help alleviate stress down the road. Good luck doing so. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need to.

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Joshua’s Answer

Follow your dream! However, look at the cost benefit to this decision. If it costs a drastic amount more than it might not be worth it financially. Many employers do not care where your degree is from, as long as you have one from an accredited institution.
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M’s Answer

This is one of life's biggest questions and biggest decisions. Think long term...at 18 even when someone told me that, there was no way anything mattered to me. So I will say it again...think long term. Are you planning to go pro in a sport, become a big shot doctor or lawyer, or unclear what you want to do with your career? HAve a rich benefactor that can front all your bills when you get out of school (car, phone, insurance =yes you need insurance, apartment and most of all student loans)....if you can't answer any of those questions, you may want to go with the safe and mature decision.

HOWEVER....the flip side, greatness goes to the bold. If you can commit yourself to going above and beyond what is necessary to achieve your goals; then going to the dream school may be the route to go.

Whatever you choose, I am sure you will be great. Make a decision and stick with it. IF it turns out that you need to alter your course, be not afraid to do that too.

Good luck
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Vic’s Answer

Hi,

The answer to this question is: "it depends" (I totally get sucks to hear). There are different categories you could spend some time analyzing to make that decision. Factors that are in play here in each category include:

Values
- What do you value the most out of the college experience?

Education
- What degree you are pursuing? Major? Minor?
- Extracurriculars
- Study abroad?
- Honors programs?

Job Prospects
- Career aspiration? (Different fields recruit heavily from different schools - some jobs care about pedigree more so than others, undergraduate schooling may not play into the recruiting as much if you pursue a graduate degree)
- School/alumni network

Financial
- Are you planning on graduate school?
- Scholarships? FAFSA?

Campus Life
- Social groups/organizations? Greek Life?
- Housing requirements
- Sports

By analyzing your values the rest should come easier in terms of seeing what the pros and cons are. I personally was in the same position as you and decided on a state school by flipping a coin and realizing that I could get to where I wanted to go with alternative means without paying for a private school.
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Carol Anne’s Answer

Hi Gordon,

As someone who went through a similar dilemma when I was applying to colleges I will tell you that the college experience is what you make of it. Five years out of college I am confident that I could have been just as happy and successful having gone to other schools on my list. I loved my time in college, made lifelong friends and built a foundation for a successful career and life of service. However, I could have done this at another school as well. Don't stress too much about the "right" or "dream" school - you can make any school a great experience if you are involved, active and have a positive attitude. Hope this helps!
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