College decisions have filled the minds of the Dana Hills High School seniors, leaving one very important question to consider: Is going to college out of state worth it? It truly depends on the person themselves and what type of future they are striving for. However in making such a consequential decision, some factors students may consider are cost, major specific programs and climate.
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Cost is one of the more obvious factors to consider when choosing which college to commit to. Is the degree you will be paying for more expensive than a comparable school in state? If we assume one school in state and one school out of state are essentially equivalent, paying out of state tuition does not reward you with anything except more college debt. A major goal of an undergraduate education should be coming out with the least amount of debt. The motivation to go to an out of state school should be driven by aspects such as a major specific program or a universitys’ speciality. For example, for a future in a health profession Quinnipiac University, located in Connecticut, would be a good school to consider going out of state because the program opportunities related to the medical industry could outway the cost. Cost is definitely something to consider when going out of state, however there is an ability to make the experience worth the investment.
Often California residents find difficulty when leaving behind the most beautiful of weather Southern California for out of state schools. Considering the climate a university is located in is essential for ensuring comfort, health and enjoyment. Different regions of the United States experience vastly different climates. If you're not used to living in a particular climate, it can take a lot of time to adjust to the new environment. For example, moving from an area like we do in which it is mostly sunny for the majority of the year, may make it challenging to adapt to the cold temperatures, snow, and icy conditions. Because of these changes in conditions it may affect one’s immune system and their ability to stay healthy throughout the year. However, I do acknowledge that some people are looking for a change in climate that better fits their interests and activities they participate in. For example, if you love skiing or snowboarding, you may want to choose a college that is located in a region with plenty of snowfall. Similarly, if you love hiking or camping, you may want to choose a college that is located near national parks or other scenic areas.
Ultimately, whether it is worth going to college out of state can be determined by considerable factors. The decision to attend college out of state depends on your personal circumstances, goals, and priorities.
Author: Sophie Bravo