Is a High-Cost Undergraduate Degree Worth the Debt for Aspiring Scientists?

[kramer733]

Ok Kaos86. Let's be realistic here and give up on university of vermont. When it's all said and done, you'll be SO PISSED OFF AT $180K DEBT. If people are pissed off at a $50k debt, you're anger will be more than 3x their anger. Dude why don't you just work your way up the research? It doesn't even matter where you go for your undergrad. As long as it's a decent school where they teach you physics, what's the problem?

You can do your own research. Just ask your professors to volunteer. I don't see the problem with that. No matter what, you'll have to move up in the academic world. Correct me if I'm wrong but you aren't going to be doing intensive research that matter anyway are you? Just do your masters and phd after your undergrad. Grad degrees are doors to research experience. I DON'T SEE THE PROBLEM WITH THIS! You're already researching aren't you? You're an amateur physicist.

So what's the problem? You can research while you study. Reality is though, you're going to hate yourself for this and I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH.

 

[Angry Citizen]

that's even more expensive:

U. of Texas-Non-resident on-campus $34,180 – 47,396

Here's the one for U. of Vermont:

Non-resident on-campus $30,744 - $45,188

Huh. I distinctly remember something very different. Sorry for the bad advice.

 

[diazona]

I'm not sure it's worthwhile to pay $200K for a Bachelor's degree from Harvard, and it's even more doubtful from the U. of Vermont.

Actually I wouldn't be surprised if Harvard is cheaper And I think they have a pretty generous financial aid system which pays out in grants instead of loans.

Here's what I'm wondering: at another college, you could get a physics education of comparable or possibly better quality at a lower cost. Perhaps $100,000, perhaps $10,000. So what exactly would you be getting from U. of Vermont that makes you think it's worth that extra $100K?

 

[kaos86]

Huh. I distinctly remember something very different. Sorry for the bad advice.

It's ok. At least your helping me

 

[contramundum]

You could always go to the University of Florida (which is a pretty good school if I recall) for your bachelors and then go to Vermont for your masters/phd.

 

[kaos86]

Here's what I'm wondering: at another college, you could get a physics education of comparable or possibly better quality at a lower cost. Perhaps $100,000, perhaps $10,000. So what exactly would you be getting from U. of Vermont that makes you think it's worth that extra $100K?

Well, I've been researching this university for a week. I saw in the catalog that they offer a B.S. and a M.S. in physics. Also, as an undergrad. in physics, you can get an opportunity in a research project with a faculty member.

 

[kaos86]

You could always go to the University of Florida (which is a pretty good school if I recall) for your bachelors and then go to Vermont for your masters/phd.

I would do that, but my mission is to get away from Florida. I'm trying to be independent and have my own life experiences. I have no job and I still live with my parents. Believe me when I say this, I've been looking for a job over a year now. I think it's time to "leave" the nest for a better life.

 

[Angry Citizen]

What state do you live in? Edit: Nevermind. I understand wanting to get out of Florida, but sometimes you just have to bite the bullet. University of Florida is a perfectly good school, and after spending loads less on in-state tuition, you can go anywhere you want for grad school and pay nothing or next to nothing.

 

[kaos86]

What state do you live in?

Florida. I hate it here, too.

 

[kaos86]

What state do you live in? Edit: Nevermind. I understand wanting to get out of Florida, but sometimes you just have to bite the bullet. University of Florida is a perfectly good school, and after spending loads less on in-state tuition, you can go anywhere you want for grad school and pay nothing or next to nothing.

Yeah, but I really want to get out of here. I'm so desperate to start my own life. I'm 23 years old and I will have my A.A. this fall semester. I did so much research into this school, but the sacrifice of being in debt is painful. I'm sure someone here in this community is having this experience.

 

[Angry Citizen]

Eh, I hate it in Texas. Like I said (I edited my post) you should probably bite the bullet and look forward to grad school.

 

[kaos86]

Eh, I hate it in Texas. Like I said (I edited my post) you should probably bite the bullet and look forward to grad school.

Its something to think about. Good thing this is not a final decision.

 

[diazona]

Well, I've been researching this university for a week. I saw in the catalog that they offer a B.S. and a M.S. in physics. Also, as an undergrad. in physics, you can get an opportunity in a research project with a faculty member.

Well yeah, but you can do that pretty much anywhere. Is there something specific to University of Vermont that really makes you want to go there, that you can't get anywhere else?

 

[Math Is Hard]

They do have some pretty darn good maple syrup up there.

 

[kaos86]

Well yeah, but you can do that pretty much anywhere. Is there something specific to University of Vermont that really makes you want to go there, that you can't get anywhere else?

well, the U. of Vermont is built in the city of Burlington. Thus, I don't need a car and I could walk anywhere if I want. The bus is free to U. of Vermont students, too. I know some universities offer free transportation from there shuttle buses, however; when I finish school, how will I get around now? I really want a small city or city by the university. I looked at different websites saying that you can walk any where or use a bike in the U. of Vermont. I wish I can take the car I'm sharing with my brother, but I think he needs it more since he's not going to school anymore(He's got his A.A. degree but he does not want to go to a university).

 

[kaos86]

They do have some pretty darn good maple syrup up there.

Maybe I'll taste it if I made my final choice.

 

[Choppy]

I just wanted to add my vote to the 'it would be insane to spend that much money on tuition' tally.

All things being equal, it sounds like this school would be the place for you. But all things aren't equal. In the grand scheme of your life, is 4 years of earlier freedom worth the 20 years it will take to pay off the debt?

And for a fraction of that money you could buy yourself a pretty kickass car.

 

[kaos86]

I just wanted to add my vote to the 'it would be insane to spend that much money on tuition' tally.

All things being equal, it sounds like this school would be the place for you. But all things aren't equal. In the grand scheme of your life, is 4 years of earlier freedom worth the 20 years it will take to pay off the debt?

And for a fraction of that money you could buy yourself a pretty kickass car.

Good point, it seems like I have to be rich to go to any university that is out-of state.
Maybe, I should do some more research and calculate the financial aid and loans. I hope I can find a university that has some "Cheap" method of transportation.

 

[contramundum]

It takes people 20-30 years to pay off the mortgage on a house. I don't see how everyone looks at that as being "okay". Why doesn't the same apply for student loans?

 

[Alienjoey]

If you have little or no income, you should be getting a good deal of financial aid...But it's still a going to be a lot of money that you have to pay, regardless.

 

[cristo]

Why don't you want to go to college in Florida? If it's just because you "hate" it, then that could all change when you move out of your parents and gain some independence.

 

[Jack21222]

It takes people 20-30 years to pay off the mortgage on a house. I don't see how everyone looks at that as being "okay". Why doesn't the same apply for student loans?

Because you have to live SOMEWHERE. Whether you're paying for a mortgage or paying rent, you're still paying something every month. Do you have a 3rd option where you don't pay to live somewhere?

 

[kaos86]

If you have little or no income, you should be getting a good deal of financial aid...But it's still a going to be a lot of money that you have to pay, regardless.

yeah, I did the math already. Its unbelievable and the financial-aid only covers half of the tuition. I can try to get a scholarship, but it will not be enough.

 

[lisab]

yeah, I did the math already. Its unbelievable and the financial-aid only covers half of the tuition. I can try to get a scholarship, but it will not be enough.

You could find out what is required to establish residency in Vermont. Usually, you have to live there for a year. If you choose to do this, first find out from the University what they require to prove residency. Often, you'll have to have evidence that you've lived there (rent receipts, utility bills...that sort of thing).

Yes it's a year of waiting, but it might be worth the wait.

 

[kaos86]

You could find out what is required to establish residency in Vermont. Usually, you have to live there for a year. If you choose to do this, first find out from the University what they require to prove residency. Often, you'll have to have evidence that you've lived there (rent receipts, utility bills...that sort of thing).

Yes it's a year of waiting, but it might be worth the wait.

I would do this if I had enough money to rent a room in some hotel, or if I have family member there. Good idea though.

 

[diazona]

well, the U. of Vermont is built in the city of Burlington. Thus, I don't need a car and I could walk anywhere if I want. The bus is free to U. of Vermont students, too. I know some universities offer free transportation from there shuttle buses, however; when I finish school, how will I get around now? I really want a small city or city by the university. I looked at different websites saying that you can walk any where or use a bike in the U. of Vermont. I wish I can take the car I'm sharing with my brother, but I think he needs it more since he's not going to school anymore(He's got his A.A. degree but he does not want to go to a university).

But again, there's nothing specific to U. of Vermont in there. Plenty of other schools (dare I say most) are located in small towns where everything in town is within walking distance, and I'm sure many other schools have arrangements to provide free or heavily discounted public transportation for students. (Bear in mind that that's where part of your tuition money would be going) Heck, pretty much everything you've said you like about UV is equally true of Princeton, where I went to college, and Princeton's tuition is nearly $10000 cheaper. Plus, financial aid can easily cover 3/4 of the total cost of attendance, or more. Maybe you should look into going there.

 

[kaos86]

But again, there's nothing specific to U. of Vermont in there. Plenty of other schools (dare I say most) are located in small towns where everything in town is within walking distance, and I'm sure many other schools have arrangements to provide free or heavily discounted public transportation for students. (Bear in mind that that's where part of your tuition money would be going) Heck, pretty much everything you've said you like about UV is equally true of Princeton, where I went to college, and Princeton's tuition is nearly $10000 cheaper. Plus, financial aid can easily cover 3/4 of the total cost of attendance, or more. Maybe you should look into going there.

Sounds like a nice place, but its a hard school to get into. The U. of Vermont is an average entrance. If I tried to transfer to Princeton, I'm sure I'll get rejected.

 

[kaos86]

Did some calculations. I just subtract the total four year tuition with the financial-aid:

Loan Balance: $135,248.00
Adjusted Loan Balance: $135,248.00
Loan Interest Rate: 6.80%
Loan Fees: 0.00%
Loan Term: 10 years
Minimum Payment: $50.00

Monthly Loan Payment: $1,556.44
Number of Payments: 120

Cumulative Payments: $186,772.53
Total Interest Paid: $51,524.53

One possibility with the Stafford interest rate and the loan term.

 

[Jokerhelper]

well, the U. of Vermont is built in the city of Burlington. Thus, I don't need a car and I could walk anywhere if I want. The bus is free to U. of Vermont students, too. I know some universities offer free transportation from there shuttle buses, however; when I finish school, how will I get around now? I really want a small city or city by the university. I looked at different websites saying that you can walk any where or use a bike in the U. of Vermont. I wish I can take the car I'm sharing with my brother, but I think he needs it more since he's not going to school anymore(He's got his A.A. degree but he does not want to go to a university).

I don't get it. This is why you want to get in 200K of debt??

 

[diazona]

Sounds like a nice place, but its a hard school to get into. The U. of Vermont is an average entrance. If I tried to transfer to Princeton, I'm sure I'll get rejected.

Well, true, Princeton is pretty competitive, but you can't be sure you wouldn't get in. (Though for the record, you can't transfer to Princeton, they only accept applicants as freshmen) (EDIT: sorry, I didn't realize you were already a college student)

Anyway, the point I really wanted to make was that there's really no reason to be paying that much to attend college. Any college. What you're describing as your ideal university sounds a lot like a pretty typical one, and I don't see any reason for you to be so attached to the University of Vermont. If I were in your situation, I would have dropped the idea of going there pretty quickly once I found out how much it costs.