[Megathread] Admissions & Prospective Students

[u/jkim545]

All admissions and prospective student questions should be made in this megathread. All other separate posts will be removed.

[u/Numerous_Comparison1]

Hi all, I’m a high school senior from Colorado trying to decide between my college options, and I’d really appreciate some perspective—especially around finances and future opportunities.

I’ve been accepted to Georgia Tech (OOS), and I’m planning to study Mechanical Engineering or something in STEM. I'm not 100% locked into engineering, but I know I want to stay in a STEM field.

Here’s the financial breakdown:

Georgia Tech (OOS): ~$160,000 total cost, no aid from GT CSU (Colorado State University): ~$36,000 total cost CU Boulder: ~$40,000 total cost Colorado School of Mines: ~$80,000 total cost All of these have about 22,000 (all about half subsidized) of Federal Loans to me, not parent-plus, so they are at a lower interest rate, where as the rest is at a relaly high interest rate right now of like 10% (through parent-plus). That high interest rate is one of the things making taking on the debt more of a challenge.

My family isn’t able to contribute financially—my mom is unemployed and starting a business, and my dad doesn’t have money to help. So the debt would be fully on me through loans. I've appealed with GT's Financial Aid office and tried to talk with them but there was nothing they were able to give me for Aid.

I’ve heard amazing things about Georgia Tech, especially in engineering, and I know it’s a prestigious school. But I’m struggling to justify taking on $160k in debt for undergradute.

I guess im just questioning if Georgia Tech is worth that large cost, and what would your choice be?

I really want to make a smart choice, both financially and academically, and I’m open to any advice, personal stories, or thoughts you have. Thanks so much for reading.

[u/rockenman1234 → u/Numerous_Comparison1]

You should go where ever is cheapest IMO. College is going to give you a piece of paper that checks a box for employment purposes, that’s all it’s good for after you graduate. Starting your twenties off with almost a quarter million worth of debt sounds like a great way to barely keep your head above water until you’re 70 and can pay off the loans.

I love GT, & I love Atlanta (mostly) - but I’d be lying if I said that it’s worth stunting your career for. Think about all the opportunities you’d miss with that much debt - want to join the peace corps? You can’t, you’ve got bills to pay. Or take a job in another country? Again, it’s gonna be tough since you’ve got a massive anchor around your neck.

If you’re really dead set on coming to GT, there are ways to pay for school without stunting your career growth as an OOS student. But it’s pretty much entirely ROTC: https://rotc.gatech.edu/

Best of luck, and please don’t hesitate to reach out again!