How to decide if your college is worth the cost?Answered
My dream school is UVM in Vermont but for an out of state student, it costs around $50,000 a year. I'm have a gpa that's about 3.4 on a 4.0 scale so I don't have high hopes for scholarships or grants. On top of that, my family doesn't qualify for financial aid but we aren't well off enough for them to just pay my college. I have quite a few back-up schools but I've had my heart set on UVM since I was in 6th grade. I plan on majoring in English with a minor in Writing, both of which are common in most colleges. I have also wanted to become an author since I was in 4th grade, and recently have been looking into teaching English at a high school. So, all of this to ask is going to my dream school worth the risk of lifelong debt?
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2 answers
This is a very difficult decision, but if I were you I would choose not to go to UVM. I would say that a $200,000 sticker price for college, in addition to around $8,000 of interest per year if the rate is 4%, is only worth it if you are pursuing majors like business or engineering. Unlike teaching, these majors offer high starting salaries and do not lead to career paths that require the additional cost of grad school for growth. Unlike being an author, they also offer the job security needed to make consistent loan payments. Your back-up schools would make it easier for you to achieve your career goals.
Before making a final decision though, I highly recommend writing an appeal letter to UVM's financial aid office. Explain that it is your dream school and that you can only attend if they increase your aid package. Hope this helps!
Definitely pick a different college to attend if you don't want to pay the out of state UVM tuition room and board which is $61,123. I know you love the school but there are better colleges that teach English and Writing that cost less to attend.
Consider looking into UPitt, University of Iowa, Florida State, Univ. of Florida, UMass Amherst, CUNY - NYC, San Diego State, UGeorgia, UIllinois, Purdue, UMinnesota, SUNY Binghamton, Arizona State U.
Good luck.
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Thank you so much, I have some time to think about this decision and I did not know about appeal letters. I will see what I can do, and I will take more time to look at other schools as well.