Choosing between colleges?

I want to be an engineer. My parents want me to go to a local community college which would cost next to nothing. Its cheap, but its not the best engineering school. I want to go to Univ of Mich (One of the best engineering colleges). Teh only problem is I would have a lot of loans to pay off when i graduate. Should i listen ti my parents or do what i want to do?

Choosing between colleges?

Well you are one of the lucky ones that knows going in what they want to do...congrats on that!!!

I made the mistake of going where my parents wanted me to for a major they wanted...and I've been hating every minute since...

...but that doesn't mean your parents are completely wrong...

I wish I knew about the community college idea before I started school...and I would recommend it to anyone that isn't fully sure what they want to do...it is definitely much cheaper to experiment with different subjects there then it is at a bigger university...the great thing is that the universities accept most if not all of those %26quot;cheaper%26quot; credits...community college is usually only 2 years for an associates degree...then you can transfer to Uof Mich for your bachelors degree...and only have to pay 2 years instead of 4...

but don't sell them short...my cousin got a great job in engineering after going to a community school...

However, since you know what you want to do, and it sounds like you are willing to work for it...then WORK for it...

Make sure you keep your grades high and you might luck out with a scholarship...even if you don't get one from the school itself..there are a lot of other places you can get money from...ie. your church, local and national ethnic and cultural foundations, engineering foundations, engineering companies (such as Lockheed Martin or Novartis,depending on what type of engineering)

If you are a girl going for anything science or math related, there are always places to find money. Just search the internet or ask your guidance counselor- they should at least be able to point you in the right direction. Find as many as you can. Some places you might need to write an essay for; others might just be an application. And if you don't get it one year, you can always apply the next. Even if it is $1000 or 2, at least it still offsets some of those loans.

But as an engineer...you should be able to get a decent job to pay off those loans quickly....

BTW...have you taken a look at some smaller engineering schools?

My brother is an engineer and he went to Cooper Union in NYC. The school only focuses on art, architecture, and engineering..but it is a really good school...and the best part...its free..or at least it was (not sure if it still is)...all tuitions were paid for by alumni donations

I don't know what year you are in...but if you don't have to make the decision right away...then I would do some research...

look up different engineering schools...look up scholarships..look up Mich track record of given scholarships...Try to find as much information as you can...

And remember, there is no rule saying you can apply to only 2 schools...unfortunately you have to pay for all the applications...but it might be worth applying to a few places...who knows..Mich might give youa partial scholarship..but maybe MIT will give you a full one...you never know what could happen...

And worse case if you don't get any money from anywhere...do community college for 2 years...get the prerequisites out of the way..and then transfer....

Choosing between colleges?

you should go to the college you want to go to.. the worst thing is being stuck at a school for 4+ years that you hate. go where you think you would be the happiest. but good luck.. im going through the same thing.

Choosing between colleges?

well, do you want to make alot of money? either way youll make quite a bit, but if you go to a better college you would obviously make more money... that would probably pay off your loans in a matter of 5 years. up to you really... but remember, %26quot; you have to spend money to make money%26quot; keep that in mind.

Choosing between colleges?

That really depends on you and what you would prefer. Of course there is financial aid, scholarships, etc. Another option is to go to a less expensive college your first year (perhaps second, too) to fulfill some general education requirements and then transfer. Granted, this may not be a good option for everyone, especially since I do not know what engineering entails. It is an idea though, and a bit more economical as well. If you choose to do this, however, you absolutely HAVE to make sure that the credits you take will transfer over.

Good luck!

Choosing between colleges?

A community college is not your best choice if you want to be an engineer especially since most are two year institutions that don't offer strong engineering degrees. That being said you do not want to be in a lot of debt when you graduate. If you are in state, U of Michigan the tuition looks reasonable. If not look at state schools in the state you have residency for a decent engineering education. I would also apply for every scholarship and fellowship you qualify for; this will bring down your education costs. Also contact the UMich financial aid office to see what types of funding are available (work-study, loans, scholarship). You can cut your room and board down by becoming an RA after your freshmen year. In other words, if you work hard UMich (or another major state school ie VT or Penn State) shouldn't be out of your reach.

One thing to keep in mind regardless of what school you attend as an engineer budget at least $500 for books each semester and ~$1500-2000 for a computer your first year.

Good Luck!

Choosing between colleges?

I don't want you to make the wrong option and fail life.

If you want me to make a decision, I think you should go with the local community college. All that's needed is learning constantly to get a good job. There are people who go to the best schools and become failures.

Going to a good school is, after all, more safe at finding a good job. If you can pay the loan off with a little bit of hard work, University of Michigan is a decent choice.