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College Choices: LSU vs Student Debt
Posted on 4/12/18 at 6:55 am
Posted on 4/12/18 at 6:55 am
I'm just looking for some advice. I'm going to college this fall, but I'm unsure about my choices because of financial limitations. I applied for architecture, and I narrowed down the schools I'm considering to commit to, which are LSU, Virginia Tech, and Georgia Tech. With scholarships, I can afford LSU with no debt, while Virginia Tech would leave me with approximately 30k of loans per year and Georgia Tech would leave me with almost 35k of loans per year. I'm currently more inclined to attend LSU, but my parents are reluctant about it, and friends don't really approve of my decision because they think the other two schools have better education quality and employment prospects. Are education qualities really different among these schools? Does the college you attend really affect future employment/career significantly? Is 100k+ debt really worth going to other more prestigious schools? It's near the commitment date, and I'd really like to sort out my thoughts. Any advice is appreciated.
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Posted on 4/12/18 at 7:00 am to Majestikhobo
Easy solution. Mississippi State. Great architectural program at a reasonable price.
Can always go to LSU for the first two years then transfer. Most people starting the program end up transferring out. Will give you time to make sure it’s something you really want to do.
Can always go to LSU for the first two years then transfer. Most people starting the program end up transferring out. Will give you time to make sure it’s something you really want to do.
Posted on 4/12/18 at 7:10 am to Majestikhobo
6 figures of student debt would be a hard pill to swallow to not be entering the medical field.
Keep in mind architecture is a very competitive industry. My cousins wife has been laid off twice as an architect with degrees from Cal Poly (which I believe is also a top tier program).
Keep in mind architecture is a very competitive industry. My cousins wife has been laid off twice as an architect with degrees from Cal Poly (which I believe is also a top tier program).
Posted on 4/12/18 at 7:16 am to Majestikhobo
I would be inclined to avoid the debt. That is a huge burden on a young person that can drag them down for decades.
I know people in my field (not architecture) who went to LSU and similar state schools, and I know some who went to private or out-of-state schools and rung up amazing debt. They all get paid the same amount and seem to be about equally successful.
I know people in my field (not architecture) who went to LSU and similar state schools, and I know some who went to private or out-of-state schools and rung up amazing debt. They all get paid the same amount and seem to be about equally successful.
Posted on 4/12/18 at 7:19 am to Majestikhobo
According to this architecture website, Virginia Tech is the 5th best undergraduate program in the country. (On a side note, I didn't realize Auburn's program was rated so high)
I would normally say LSU all the way, but you have some serious thinking to do here. I would cross out Georgia Tech as it's more expensive than Virginia Tech and not as highly ranked. Average architect salary is around $70k/year but can get into the six figures easily.
Any time you have the ability to get into a top 5 program, you should consider it. That's the kind of opportunity that allows you to really excel at your craft and network with people who could put you into positions that have a strong future.
However, $120k is a frickload of money to have to pay off for a job that won't pay a high salary for a while...if ever. It's a risk for sure.
Are you certain that $30k/year is guaranteed? Could you work in the summer to help pay off some loans? Any family members that might be able to contribute some?
I'm kinda going stream of consciousness here, but maybe LSU is the best choice. It's not a bad program, right? So you'll get a job - probably a job in Louisiana or a local job wherever you're from. With no debt, you'll feel very comfortable right after college and live a good life. But I would say the odds of you landing a big time architect gig in a major city is low. Are you okay with that?
Nothing wrong with chasing the big dreams and nothing wrong with settling for a life of comfort and ease.
I guess all in all, I'd pick LSU. No debt vs. $120k? Yeah. LSU.
I would normally say LSU all the way, but you have some serious thinking to do here. I would cross out Georgia Tech as it's more expensive than Virginia Tech and not as highly ranked. Average architect salary is around $70k/year but can get into the six figures easily.
Any time you have the ability to get into a top 5 program, you should consider it. That's the kind of opportunity that allows you to really excel at your craft and network with people who could put you into positions that have a strong future.
However, $120k is a frickload of money to have to pay off for a job that won't pay a high salary for a while...if ever. It's a risk for sure.
Are you certain that $30k/year is guaranteed? Could you work in the summer to help pay off some loans? Any family members that might be able to contribute some?
I'm kinda going stream of consciousness here, but maybe LSU is the best choice. It's not a bad program, right? So you'll get a job - probably a job in Louisiana or a local job wherever you're from. With no debt, you'll feel very comfortable right after college and live a good life. But I would say the odds of you landing a big time architect gig in a major city is low. Are you okay with that?
Nothing wrong with chasing the big dreams and nothing wrong with settling for a life of comfort and ease.
I guess all in all, I'd pick LSU. No debt vs. $120k? Yeah. LSU.
Posted on 4/12/18 at 7:36 am to StringedInstruments
quote:
According to this architecture website, Virginia Tech is the 5th best undergraduate program in the country.
quote:
I would cross out Georgia Tech as it's more expensive than Virginia Tech and not as highly ranked. Average architect salary is around $70k/year but can get into the six figures easily.
Agreed on Ga Tech
quote:
Any time you have the ability to get into a top 5 program, you should consider it. That's the kind of opportunity that allows you to really excel at your craft and network with people who could put you into positions that have a strong future.
Agreed
quote:
However, $120k is a frickload of money to have to pay off for a job that won't pay a high salary for a while...if ever. It's a risk for sure.
Agreed
quote:
I'm kinda going stream of consciousness here, but maybe LSU is the best choice. It's not a bad program, right? So you'll get a job - probably a job in Louisiana or a local job wherever you're from.
I understand why this is a tough decision. Usually I am pro LSU. You'll get a bunch of people on the OT telling you how terrible it is, but I work for a top firm in my industry and know people who work from Wall Street to Dubai to LA just from the people I went to college with. If you work hard and build a network while you're there you can be just as successful as anywhere. However, if VA Tech is truly a top 5 program that makes it a tough decision. If the average income in only 70k that makes it even tougher, but it's hard to turn down that prestige.
To the OP, what I would do is talk to VA Tech's financial aid and academic counselors. See what your true cost of attendance would be. If you can get that number of loan money down it's a no brainer, but it would be tough to take on that much debt without having a guaranteed six figure income soon after graduation. I can definitely see why you're struggling with the decision.
Posted on 4/12/18 at 7:45 am to Majestikhobo
Just a question, how are you going to get a 30k loan per year with all the new rules. My daughter is starting her college applications and we realize freshman can only get like 5k for the first year. The rest has to come from parents?
Posted on 4/12/18 at 7:51 am to ColdDuck
quote:
Just a question, how are you going to get a 30k loan per year with all the new rules. My daughter is starting her college applications and we realize freshman can only get like 5k for the first year. The rest has to come from parents?
I'm not sure what rules you are talking about, but it's still all income based, correct?
Posted on 4/12/18 at 8:00 am to StringedInstruments
quote:Welp. An undergraduate B. Arch degree takes 5 years, so the amount of loans will be closer to $150k, or even more, as costs for colleges usually rise each year. I'm looking into possible internships and part-time jobs during break. It'll definitely help a bit, but there's still going to be a ridiculous amount of loans.
However, $120k is a frickload of money to have to pay off for a job that won't pay a high salary for a while...if ever. It's a risk for sure.
Are you certain that $30k/year is guaranteed? Could you work in the summer to help pay off some loans? Any family members that might be able to contribute some?
Thanks for the insight. I'm leaning more towards LSU too because six-figure loans are intimidating. My plan is that if I attend LSU for undergrad, I'll try to get into a top grad school later on, although grad school won't be necessary since I'm getting a B. Arch degree instead of a regular 4 year undergrad degree.
This post was edited on 4/12/18 at 8:03 am
Posted on 4/12/18 at 8:03 am to Majestikhobo
I think something else to consider is that an architecture program will have you producing a portfolio, which means you can sell yourself as a creative, talented architect no matter where you are. I remember my friends going through Auburn's program, and from the very first semester, they were put through hell in the studio. They had a lot to show for their work though.
So even if LSU isn't the highest rated program, you could still do your research and utilize the Internet and social media to contact reputable architects around the country and produce work in school that would be attractive to top firms.
If it's $150k, then it's a definite no. Go to LSU. Don't party too much. Stay away from the northside of town. Get your degree.
So even if LSU isn't the highest rated program, you could still do your research and utilize the Internet and social media to contact reputable architects around the country and produce work in school that would be attractive to top firms.
If it's $150k, then it's a definite no. Go to LSU. Don't party too much. Stay away from the northside of town. Get your degree.
Posted on 4/12/18 at 8:15 am to StringedInstruments
quote:
Go to LSU. Don't party too much
Quality over quantity. Go to LSU work your arse off during the day do fun shite all night. You're 18, sleep later, have fun. All will work out.
Posted on 4/12/18 at 8:26 am to Majestikhobo
Have you tried applying for scholarships to Virginia Tech? Is the $30k per year for tuition only or does that assume you’ll be living in a dorm on campus?
Posted on 4/12/18 at 8:34 am to Majestikhobo
I'd split the difference. Your first 3-4 semesters are not very different than any other majors. Mostly gen ed requirements for graduating.
Go cheap for the first 1-2 years. Since Va. Tech is such a good architecture school, I'd finish up there with half of the debt and twice the degree.
Just my $.02.
Go cheap for the first 1-2 years. Since Va. Tech is such a good architecture school, I'd finish up there with half of the debt and twice the degree.
Just my $.02.
Posted on 4/12/18 at 8:37 am to TheIndulger
quote:
Have you tried applying for scholarships to Virginia Tech?
Yes, but the amount of scholarships given are not enough to cover the total cost of attendance.
quote:
Is the $30k per year for tuition only or does that assume you’ll be living in a dorm on campus?
The $30k per year is the amount of loans I have to take out to cover the remaining costs that I am unable to afford, and the costs I refer to is the total cost of attendance, and not just tuition, so it includes room & board, insurance, etc.
Posted on 4/12/18 at 8:40 am to Majestikhobo
100k+ student debt for an architecture grad will be a hard road ahead. For the first few years out of school you will be making peanuts. That 70k per year is for an architect, not an architecture graduate.
Where would you like to live when you're done? Va Tech and Ga Tech will be a better resume on the east coast for sure. However, an LSU grad could easily find employment in Dallas or Houston where the work is plentiful. Currently, I know about every firm I work with is looking for employees.
Where would you like to live when you're done? Va Tech and Ga Tech will be a better resume on the east coast for sure. However, an LSU grad could easily find employment in Dallas or Houston where the work is plentiful. Currently, I know about every firm I work with is looking for employees.
Posted on 4/12/18 at 8:41 am to fjlee90
quote:
Your first 3-4 semesters are not very different than any other majors. Mostly gen ed requirements for graduating.
Go cheap for the first 1-2 years.
I took a bunch of AP courses, and I pretty much aced all of them, so I can actually waive all the required gen ed courses for the first two years. I don't really know how much a course costs though, and even if I can scrape through the first two years, the last three years will be a financial struggle.
Posted on 4/12/18 at 8:47 am to Cdawg
quote:
Where would you like to live when you're done? Va Tech and Ga Tech will be a better resume on the east coast for sure. However, an LSU grad could easily find employment in Dallas or Houston where the work is plentiful. Currently, I know about every firm I work with is looking for employees.
Honestly, I don't really know where I'm gonna end up. I'm pretty much open to anything right now. I'll think more about it though.
Posted on 4/12/18 at 9:33 am to Majestikhobo
There is absolutely no way those schools are worth $100k debt vs. LSU.
Posted on 4/12/18 at 9:36 am to Mingo Was His NameO
quote:
I'm not sure what rules you are talking about, but it's still all income based, correct?
LINK
$5,500 for freshmen
$6,500 for sophomores
$7,500 per year for juniors, seniors, and any additional
$31,000 is the total limit for undergraduates
Edit Update: I found new 2017 numbers above.
LINK
This post was edited on 4/12/18 at 9:56 am
Posted on 4/12/18 at 9:40 am to Majestikhobo
Looking at this dynamic, have you questioned whether you REALLY want to be an architect? Versus an engineer, etc?
While my experience has been solely in the business world, I have never once been questioned on my college (LSU), nor have a questioned colleges of those I've hired.
Maybe for your first job, but thereafter it's all about ability, thought leadership, and potential down the road.
When I interview people now, their degrees are almost "a check in the box," but I'm hiring people with 5+ yrs of experience.
While my experience has been solely in the business world, I have never once been questioned on my college (LSU), nor have a questioned colleges of those I've hired.
Maybe for your first job, but thereafter it's all about ability, thought leadership, and potential down the road.
When I interview people now, their degrees are almost "a check in the box," but I'm hiring people with 5+ yrs of experience.
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