“I don’t know which to choose. University of Pennsylvania without a full ride, or the less prestigious school with a full ride.” This is a common thought among most seniors who can not afford more, or sometimes less, than $50,000 in tuition. As seniors open their computers and log in to their college admissions portals during the admissions season, some face a difficult choice: prestige or debt.
At just 17 or 18 years old, seniors have to make a choice that will affect them for the rest of their lives—which is mind-boggling to think about. Not even adults or just fresh ones have to think and act like adults, and some do not have a choice. dollars
According to usnews.com, the national average private school tuition for colleges or universities is $44,961; public out-of-state costs $25,415, and in-state totaling 11,371. For some, these numbers are manageable, but for others, they may cause lifelong debt. It is also critical to note that the cost could be much higher depending on the university. The University of California schools cost on average $47,388 if you are a resident, and this can be a huge difference for some families. Ivy League schools, on the other hand, such as Harvard University and Princeton University, have tuition nearing $100,000. The elite schools can cost more money, again begging the question, prestige or lifelong debt.
When making the decision, some people think they “have to” pick the more “prestigious” school, but no matter its ranking or prestige, the school does not guarantee a better future. One’s future depends on what the individual makes of the school and the opportunities on campus. Many successful people did not even attend elite universities, and employers often care more about skills, experience and work ethic than the name on a diploma.
Student debt can also be a slippery slope. If one attends a school such as New York University to become an actress and ends up with lifelong student loan debt, they are taking a huge risk, especially if they do not become a big name in Hollywood. Even if that is not the case, student debt shapes what kind of jobs people try to obtain. They may avoid lower-paying jobs that align with their passion and instead take a high-paying job doing something that is not fulfilling. Obtaining student debt, no matter how low or high, can also cause stress, which can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, immediately or later in life. Student debt can also cause generational wealth inequality because parents may still be paying off their student loans when sending their own kids off to college, which can affect where their children attend.
It is also important to note that a less prestigious school does not mean worse. At less prestigious schools, it may be easier to get involved on campus or outside it, as students may face less competition for opportunities like leadership roles, internships, research positions and professor attention. This can make it easier to get involved early and build a strong resume. Rather than the name of the school alone, it is often how students take advantage of the opportunities available to them that shapes their success.
Prestige is also a major factor because of the emphasis society places on it. For seniors, the decision is not just about cost or even academics; it is also influenced by their environment—classmates, friends and even social media can be factors. Part of being a teenager is fear of judgment, and some may naturally consider what their peers think. In some seniors’ minds, their worth is defined by where they are just studying for the next four years. Family can also exemplify this feeling, as parents may pressure them to attend schools that may not be the best fit financially or personally. Teenagers cannot escape these pressures, even when simply scrolling on their phones with videos and photos of data from schools, counselors or random website rankings that glorify the “top schools.”
For teenagers who are barely adults, choosing a college, something that takes only four years of one’s life, should not become a decision that may negatively affect them for the rest of their lives. Choosing a school should not feel like choosing between dreams and financial security, yet for many students, it does. While the pressure can be almost unbearable, one must remember that a name never defines a future, only you do. Debt, however, can shape it for the rest of your and your family’s lives. Instead of choosing prestige, students should prioritize what truly sets them up for success, both financially and personally. In the end, choose the school that is not the most impressive, but the one that makes the most sense for you.
