Recently, I was discussing college with a friend during our Latin class. The discussion was mainly about money and how both of us are planning to pay for it. We both happen to be considering out of state schools. Out of state equals=Twice as expensive as in state. I mentioned that I even though I would love to go to Indiana University (3 hours away), I don’t think I can justify the added cost over Ohio State University.
Her response: “I think you should go where ever you want, even if it does cost more.”
I disagree. Strongly.
I think this is the exact wrong way to pick a college. Yes, I think you should be happy wherever you go, but is being “happy” worth an extra $60,000 over 4 years? I don’t think anybody can answer that with an absolute yes. If you have unlimited funds, sure, go with where you feel happy. But for the rest of the country, cost has to be part of the equation.
Even worse, I think a lot of people my age would agree with my friend. It’s easy to understand why: Everyone just thinks “Oh, I’ll pay those loans back when I graduate and get a job.”
Problems with this logic:
- You’re assuming you’re getting a job. Just because you have a degree doesn’t guarantee you employment.
- You’re assuming you get a good paying job. It’s entirely likely that you won’t be making as much as you thought you would.
- You’re assuming that the extra money was actually worth it.
While I have a lot of respect for higher education, I don’t think you should go to a more expensive school just because you got some tingly feeling inside. When you’re a adult, you have to be realistic. It’s like parents telling their kids “You could grow up one day and become President of the United States!” Um, ok, sure you can.
Go to a school you feel comfortable at, has quality instruction, and can afford.
