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Which is better, to go to a school which has a prestigious name and accumulate debt, or go far from home and the school be less prestigious?

Both of the schools have amazing programs, but my mother worries about me going too far. I don't want to accumulate too much debt though, so which should be more important to me? #university #school #tuition #distance #prestige

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Eliot’s Answer

It's becoming less and less important over time to go to a college with a "prestigious" name. That does not mean that you shouldn't consider it, if your grades and dollars enable you to attend. But keep things in perspective... Going to a world-class college will not necessarily provide you with a better education. Instead it will allow you to build personal and professional relationships with other students that you may not typically associate with in other circumstances. For that reason alone prestigious schools are helpful and valuable. On top of that, you may find some of the most interesting research projects in the world - and if you work at it, you may be able to participate in those projects as an assistant. However, those two benefits can be attained by other means. In an increasingly interconnected world, and with innovative cities like NYC and San Francisco (that's just in the US), you can find both great people and great projects outside of the school system, and without the long term price tag. In my personal experience, I started out at a community college and completed my liberal arts classes, eventually graduating with an Associates. Afterwards I completed my bachelor degree from the City Unversity of New York. And I am now a few months away from starting at Columbia University. Moreover, I've gone through my entire academic career without owing a single dollar of education debt.


Overall, there is no "right way" or "wrong way" to do it. You have to figure out what's best for you, understand your resources, career aspirations, and find ways to stay out of debt.There are ways, you just have to be creative and determined.
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Brandon’s Answer

This depends on the route you want to go. Sure, going to a prestigious school may have some benefits in the name, however that doesn't mean everything. You have to remember that when going to school there are many different variables that may affect your school life like classes, grades, work, school activities, etc. School is a good way to branch out and gain ones own connections with others, but if you are constantly stressed out and you can't achieve the grades that you need to get a decent GPA then it will be for naught. Some schools that are less prestigious sometimes have better classes and activities that can boost up your education and possibly add to your resume. This is something that you need to put a lot of thought into.

In my personal life, after high school I went straight into community college to get my AA because of financial reasons. However I did not regret it since I made many connections. Afterwards I went to the University of Washington and got my BA, yet my connections at the school was very lacking due to my own work being directly after school. When choosing a path you want to make sure that it is worth the time and effort into everything you do.
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