How to Choose a University: Price over Prestige?

A recent CNN.com video, "Students choosing price over prestige?" describes how American high school seniors have some pretty tough decisions to make: Should they pursue a prestigious, top-dollar education at an Ivy League school? Or should they settle for a more affordable option—a state school or community college? Which, in the end, will offer more value?

Part 1 tells the story of a high school valedictorian who chooses to attend The College of New Jersey, over Boston College, so that he can afford med school later on. The video explains how such a move (away from prestige and towards a more attractive price tag) is increasingly popular, as is the decision to attend a three-year undergraduate program, another hot topic in the discussion of cutting costs and increasing value.

Students Choosing Price Over Prestige?

Part 2, as commentary in the New York Times' The Choice puts it, is "a cautionary tale." It tells the story of an NYU graduate with a business degree who now lives in Pennsylvania, over a gas station, and with a two-hour commute to his New York City job, so that he can pay off his $250,000 debt.

More Kids Leaving College in Debt

For more on determining school value and return on investment (ROI), please see related Accepted blog posts:

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How to Choose a University: Price over Prestige?

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