9 answers
Chloe
Student
Renton, Washington
1
Question
Updated
347 views
Is attending a dream school worth the debt? #Spring26
I'm having difficulty choosing between my dream college and attending a college close to home. The University of San Francisco is my dream school, and I want to go into accounting with a minor in marketing. Is it worth the debt? I haven't paid the deposit yet because I have a cheaper opportunity, which is the University of Portland, but I know that I would thrive at USF .
Login to comment
8 answers
Alexa B.
Marketing and Graphic Design
22
Answers
Mexico
Updated
Alexa’s Answer
Hi Chloe,
First of all, congratulations on being so close to starting this exciting new chapter of your life! Having options is a great place to be, even though it can make the decision feel harder.
Your question is a very important one, and I’m glad you’re thinking about it carefully.
If the University of San Francisco is truly your dream school, and you can afford it without putting overwhelming financial pressure on yourself or your family, then it may be worth pursuing. When something has been a dream for a long time, you’re often more motivated to make the most of every opportunity it offers — academically, professionally, and personally.
That said, debt is something to take seriously. If attending USF would cause significant stress or limit your flexibility after graduation, choosing a more affordable option like the University of Portland is not a failure or a step backward — it’s a smart, mature decision.
Since you already have a clear idea of your interests in accounting and marketing, remember this: your success will depend far more on your effort, curiosity, and dedication than on the name of the school. Surrounding yourself with people who challenge and inspire you, taking advantage of internships, networking, and real-world experience will matter just as much.
One practical exercise that might help is making a simple pros-and-cons table for each option — including cost, opportunities, location, stress level, and personal growth. You can even assign a value to each factor to see which choice feels more balanced overall.
Whatever you decide, trust that you’re capable of thriving. There isn’t a single “right” path — just the one that best supports both your dreams and your well-being.
Wishing you clarity and confidence in your decision. ✨
First of all, congratulations on being so close to starting this exciting new chapter of your life! Having options is a great place to be, even though it can make the decision feel harder.
Your question is a very important one, and I’m glad you’re thinking about it carefully.
If the University of San Francisco is truly your dream school, and you can afford it without putting overwhelming financial pressure on yourself or your family, then it may be worth pursuing. When something has been a dream for a long time, you’re often more motivated to make the most of every opportunity it offers — academically, professionally, and personally.
That said, debt is something to take seriously. If attending USF would cause significant stress or limit your flexibility after graduation, choosing a more affordable option like the University of Portland is not a failure or a step backward — it’s a smart, mature decision.
Since you already have a clear idea of your interests in accounting and marketing, remember this: your success will depend far more on your effort, curiosity, and dedication than on the name of the school. Surrounding yourself with people who challenge and inspire you, taking advantage of internships, networking, and real-world experience will matter just as much.
One practical exercise that might help is making a simple pros-and-cons table for each option — including cost, opportunities, location, stress level, and personal growth. You can even assign a value to each factor to see which choice feels more balanced overall.
Whatever you decide, trust that you’re capable of thriving. There isn’t a single “right” path — just the one that best supports both your dreams and your well-being.
Wishing you clarity and confidence in your decision. ✨
Thank you for this! I really needed it.
Chloe
Meiosha Sutton, MBA, CFE, CISA
Internal Auditor/Consultant
2
Answers
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Updated
Meiosha’s Answer
Hey Chloe! To choose the right school, think about which one will help you get an accounting job after you graduate. Look for a university with a great career center and lots of student groups for accounting majors. Also, check how much it will cost to attend. Ask yourself if you're okay with paying around $400 a month for up to 20 years. You might be surprised by your answer. Congrats on starting this new chapter, and good luck!
Adam Micciche, CPA
Accounting/Consulting
3
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Adam’s Answer
Congratulations on starting this new chapter! Making this decision can be tricky, but it's great that you have this chance. Here are two key things to think about:
First, consider how important the school is to you. Do you want to be far from home? Would you prefer a big city with more opportunities? Both schools likely offer similar education for your major or minor.
Second, think about finances. It's good to avoid debt, but look deeper. Can you live on a tight budget while repaying student loans, or would that be stressful for you or your family? Also, consider the amount of debt. If it reaches over $100,000, it could take 10 to 30 years to pay off and will affect your monthly expenses.
First, consider how important the school is to you. Do you want to be far from home? Would you prefer a big city with more opportunities? Both schools likely offer similar education for your major or minor.
Second, think about finances. It's good to avoid debt, but look deeper. Can you live on a tight budget while repaying student loans, or would that be stressful for you or your family? Also, consider the amount of debt. If it reaches over $100,000, it could take 10 to 30 years to pay off and will affect your monthly expenses.
Justina Tan
Marketing process transformation
8
Answers
Singapore
Updated
Justina’s Answer
I get why a dream school seems so important—it often reflects who you want to be. But I want to gently remind you to think carefully about taking on a lot of debt to get there. Many talented people struggle with student loans long after they finish school, which can limit their choices and add stress early in their careers. In accounting, your skills, experience, and adaptability are what really count, not just the school name. Picking a good, more affordable option isn't settling—it's giving your future self the space and freedom to make better decisions down the road.
Steven Graham
Chief Accounting Officer, Corporate Controller, VP Finance
29
Answers
Boynton Beach, Florida
Updated
Steven’s Answer
Chloe, think about how well graduates find jobs in accounting. Also, consider what you plan to do with a marketing minor and how it might influence your job options. You can ask the career centers at different colleges and the HR departments of the companies you're interested in about the success of their graduates. Also, think about where you want to work after graduation. Will choosing one school over another limit your job opportunities? There's a lot to consider. Good luck!
This is good advice! Thank you.
Chloe
Abigail Miller
Actor, Business Consultant
13
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Abigail’s Answer
Hi Chloe, thanks for your great question. I was in the same situation about 15 years ago, which seems like just yesterday! First off, congratulations on having this opportunity to explore. It's a good problem to have. Here's some advice that might help:
Make sure you've looked into all scholarship options. There are many ways to find school funds, like federal or state grants and school-specific scholarships. You can even call the admissions office and explain your financial situation. They might know about scholarships that are available. Some schools have scholarship funds that go unused because students aren't aware of them. This could be your chance to attend your dream school without spending too much money.
If that doesn't work, think about why this school is your dream. Is it because of the culture, looks, or sports? Or is it because of its reputation, rankings, and job placement rates? While it's important to feel comfortable at school, choosing a school just for comfort might not be worth the debt. But if the school is known for helping graduates find good jobs, that's different.
Consider how much debt you'll have compared to the chances of getting a good job and salary after graduation. If the school has a high job placement rate and good starting salaries, it might be worth it. But remember, starting with debt can be tough.
To share my experience, I chose a cheaper, in-state school and I'm really glad I did. But everyone’s situation is different, so make the choice that feels right for you.
Pursue all scholarship routes, including calling the school directly
Clearly articulate why this is your dream school, and determine if the primary reasons are comfort-driven, or career-driven
Research the graduating class job placement rates and average starting salaries
Look into your favorite companies or dream employers, and figure out which schools they recruit from to see if your dream school is on the list
Make sure you've looked into all scholarship options. There are many ways to find school funds, like federal or state grants and school-specific scholarships. You can even call the admissions office and explain your financial situation. They might know about scholarships that are available. Some schools have scholarship funds that go unused because students aren't aware of them. This could be your chance to attend your dream school without spending too much money.
If that doesn't work, think about why this school is your dream. Is it because of the culture, looks, or sports? Or is it because of its reputation, rankings, and job placement rates? While it's important to feel comfortable at school, choosing a school just for comfort might not be worth the debt. But if the school is known for helping graduates find good jobs, that's different.
Consider how much debt you'll have compared to the chances of getting a good job and salary after graduation. If the school has a high job placement rate and good starting salaries, it might be worth it. But remember, starting with debt can be tough.
To share my experience, I chose a cheaper, in-state school and I'm really glad I did. But everyone’s situation is different, so make the choice that feels right for you.
Abigail recommends the following next steps:
Stephanie Woodard
Controller, CPA, CMA
7
Answers
Shalimar, Florida
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
Chloe, this is a great question to be asking yourself. I'd recommend you think hard about what it is about your dream school that is drawing you there. Is it the culture, the program, are your friends going there and you feel a sense of comfort in going with them. Would other programs that are more affordable offer similar benefits or allow you to experience new things.
I personally choose to stay closer to home for my education. I had a non-traditional route going to school at night and working full time during the day. I have no regrets about my education itself. It was a small regional school and I did feel as prepared for my career as my larger school colleagues. What I was lacking was the real "college" experience. That said, I graduated completely debt free and even with some extra savings in my pocket and that was huge for setting me up for life success in general and allowed me to do some traveling and other splurges post graduation I wouldn't have felt comfortable for otherwise.
When I'm reviewing resumes for roles in my company I take no consideration into the specific school candidates attended.
I personally choose to stay closer to home for my education. I had a non-traditional route going to school at night and working full time during the day. I have no regrets about my education itself. It was a small regional school and I did feel as prepared for my career as my larger school colleagues. What I was lacking was the real "college" experience. That said, I graduated completely debt free and even with some extra savings in my pocket and that was huge for setting me up for life success in general and allowed me to do some traveling and other splurges post graduation I wouldn't have felt comfortable for otherwise.
When I'm reviewing resumes for roles in my company I take no consideration into the specific school candidates attended.
Hovendra Parasram
Tax Consultant
19
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Hovendra’s Answer
Choosing a college is a big step, and it's great that you're thinking about it carefully. As someone interested in accounting, it's important to see your education as both a dream and an investment. Attending your dream school can be wonderful, but it's also key to think about the debt you might have and how it could impact your future.
In accounting, internships, networking, and hard work often matter more than where you went to school. Many successful accountants in big firms and companies graduated from state schools or more affordable universities.
Before you decide, compare:
- The total cost for four years.
- Expected loan payments after graduation.
- Internship and job opportunities at each school.
- If the school helps you meet the 150-credit requirement for a CPA license.
If a less expensive school offers good job opportunities and lets you graduate with less debt, that financial freedom can be really valuable. It might allow you to save, invest, move for a great job, or go to graduate school without extra stress.
Also, think about where you'll feel happiest and do your best. If one school seems like a better fit, that matters too. Just make sure any extra cost is worth the benefits you'll get.
No matter what you choose, remember your career will be shaped more by your effort, character, and eagerness to learn than by the name on your diploma. Many people have built amazing careers by making smart financial choices early on.
In accounting, internships, networking, and hard work often matter more than where you went to school. Many successful accountants in big firms and companies graduated from state schools or more affordable universities.
Before you decide, compare:
- The total cost for four years.
- Expected loan payments after graduation.
- Internship and job opportunities at each school.
- If the school helps you meet the 150-credit requirement for a CPA license.
If a less expensive school offers good job opportunities and lets you graduate with less debt, that financial freedom can be really valuable. It might allow you to save, invest, move for a great job, or go to graduate school without extra stress.
Also, think about where you'll feel happiest and do your best. If one school seems like a better fit, that matters too. Just make sure any extra cost is worth the benefits you'll get.
No matter what you choose, remember your career will be shaped more by your effort, character, and eagerness to learn than by the name on your diploma. Many people have built amazing careers by making smart financial choices early on.