No name school w/big scholarship vs. big name school w/loans

[Anonymous]

I know the answer but I need reassurance. Bright child sure to be accepted at some small name schools with substantial merit aid. Strong chance at some big name schools but not top of the heap - this no scholarship. Money is an issue. Likely liberal arts major. So grad school is a given.

Save the money for a prestigious grad program, right?

[Anonymous]

As long as the college is accredited, go for the no-name one.

[Anonymous]

When you say "no name" school, might the grad schools see it the same way?
Like what kind of schools are we talking about?

[Anonymous]

I went to a top 20 w loans vs state school free. For me, best decision ever. I needed to move away from my home to grow. I went to school 1000 miles away and needed to figure out for myself how to get things done. I met a group of people I never would have at a state school - and set my sights on a professional path that I was unaware existed.

As a 1st generation attending college, there was a lot of pressure to get a degree that was a path to a job. At a top college / university I was exposed to a lot more.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As long as the college is accredited, go for the no-name one.

Gotta disagree with this blanket statement. Some schools are "no name" for a good reason.

[Anonymous]

I'd like to know what no name means. Is it a second tier LAC? Because if so, go for it. Is it Backwoods State U of Number 48 in Education? Because then no.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Save the money for a prestigious grad program, right?

What kind of grad program? In lots of fields, it's not worth going unless he or she gets a fellowship. It's not wise to pay out of pocket for a Ph.D.

[Anonymous]

Is it a SLAC? Give us examples of no name schools.

[Anonymous]

Can you give examples of both categories?

[Anonymous]

Yes, it really is impossible to say without knowing the schools in question...

[Anonymous]

Op, have you spent time at this "no name" school? It's only "no name" for you.

[Anonymous]

Does your kid want to go on after college?

No name, but he better get good grades.

[Anonymous]

depends on the actual schools involved.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I went to a top 20 w loans vs state school free. For me, best decision ever. I needed to move away from my home to grow. I went to school 1000 miles away and needed to figure out for myself how to get things done. I met a group of people I never would have at a state school - and set my sights on a professional path that I was unaware existed.

As a 1st generation attending college, there was a lot of pressure to get a degree that was a path to a job. At a top college / university I was exposed to a lot more.

good answer

[Anonymous]

It depends both on the schools in question & on your financial situation.