Rice University or my state school (UIowa)
Hi,
I'm currently a high school senior and my top 2 choices are Rice University (for 28k a year) and UIowa + Honors program (for 5k a year). My family income is pretty low (<75k) but they had pretty high in assets which ruined my financial aid offer for Rice (2 fully paid house). I appealed the aid and still got denied. My goal is to get into management consulting and I heard Rice places well. My parents said they will pay for the tuition but I'm afraid we will go into debt. Is it still worth to go to Rice?
Sorry for the rant, but I just want to know what are your guys' opinions and thoughts.
Based on the WSO threads discussing similar dilemmas between prestigious but expensive schools and more affordable state schools, here are some key points to consider:
Cost vs. Benefit: Rice University is known for its strong placement in management consulting, which could potentially offer you better career opportunities post-graduation. However, the financial strain it would place on your family is significant, especially considering the high tuition costs relative to your family's financial situation.
Debt Consideration: Taking on debt or potentially putting your family in a financially precarious situation is a serious concern. The burden of debt can influence your future decisions, such as job choices, further studies, or even personal milestones.
Alternative Pathways at UIowa: While Rice has a strong reputation, UIowa's Honors program could also provide you with excellent opportunities, especially if you excel there. Being a standout student in a less competitive environment could afford you unique opportunities for leadership, networking, and personal development.
Long-term Goals: Consider your long-term career goals. Management consulting firms often look for candidates from prestigious schools, but they also value diverse experiences and exceptional performance from any institution. Excelling at UIowa and leveraging its resources effectively could also pave a path into consulting.
Financial Security: Preserving financial stability and avoiding debt could offer you more flexibility and peace of mind during your college years and beyond. This could be a significant factor in your overall college experience and future well-being.
In conclusion, while Rice offers excellent opportunities, the financial implications and potential debt should be weighed carefully against the benefits. Excelling in UIowa's Honors program could also offer a viable path to your career goals without the financial strain. Consider all factors and perhaps seek additional opinions from current students or alumni from both institutions to make a well-informed decision.
Sources: Rice University vs. UT Austin McCombs Undergraduate, Don't come to Penn/Wharton to work in finance and make money, Indiana University (Kelley) vs University of Iowa (Tippie), Rice vs UT BHP
I’d take rice. We aren’t amazing (semi-target) but at least we got Houston in our back pocket. Uiowa will have nothing. 100k is nothing in the grand scheme of things. Also we are very good for MBB. This is a no brainer
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