You are considering going to college in New York City. Which New York City Colleges and Universities should you choose from? There are a huge amount of colleges in the city, some pretty prestigious, and others more focused on a particular niche. How does one choose whether or not they should go to school in New York?
What do I want to go to school for?
First, you should ask yourself what it is that you want to do. Too many people enter college with no clue of what they want to do. Some say that this is fine, however, with the cost of college in the United States skyrocketing, they should think twice before spending money on a major that they may change their mind on. While financial aid in the United States for school is generally very good, chances are you will also rely on additional loans to cover living expenses. Many people in the United States take massive loan debt on to complete school. Many of these individuals did not need to borrow so much, but made the mistake of taking on too much debt for various reasons. Many experts say that a college education does not hold the value that it held in the past. In fact, many say the opportunity cost of going to college can be greater than entering into the workforce if you have certain skills. Also, don't overlook trade schools which may offer a chance to learn a trade for a fraction of the cost that a four year degree would cost.
Futhermore, graduate school is often seen as being required for some majors. In fact, some students find themselves entering graduate school due to the lack of jobs in the current U.S. economy. Graduate school adds considerable debt, with prices ranging sometimes upwards of $40,000 a year to attend. Law School and Medical School are both options as well, but both are expensive and jobs are not guaranteed upon graduation. In fact, many students find themselves working in fields that have little to nothing to do with what they went to school for, even if they went to graduate school.
That being said, be sure you want to do what you are entering school to do. Also, research majors and take into account what is in demand, while remembering to go into something you are truly passionate about.
How Much Do I Want To Spend For College?
Going to college in New York is expensive. Private Universities like Fordham, St. John's, and Columbia are exceedingly expensive. Granted, some of these schools, especially Columbia, has prestige that goes with a degree. However, many students will find themselves with considerable debt in order to finish the program.
Do not discount going to public universities such as CUNY, NYU, and Rutgers (which is in New Jersey), although none of these are particularly cheap. One good option is to enter a community college for the first two years and transfer to a "four year" college for the remainder of your studies. Your degree with be from the four year college but at a fraction of the price.
Remember, student loan debt is generally non-dischargable in bankruptcy (there are a couple of very strict cases in which it can be discharged, but these generally are the result of drastic medical damages or life changes), and that should not be considered an option anyway.
If you were in the US Military, be sure to take into consideration the programs offered through the military for college. Likewise, many companies offer tuition reimbursement for those who continue education on a track similar to the requirements of their job.
What Colleges Are in New York City?
MANHATTAN is home to Fordham University, Columbia University, Yeshiva University, NYU, Rockefeller University, CUNY, MCNY and many, many others.
QUEENS has branches of CUNY, and St. John's University.
BROOKLYN has Long Island University, St. Francis College, Pratt Institute, and branches of CUNY.
THE BRONX is home to Fordham University.
STATEN ISLAND has a branch of St. John's University.
Also, Keep In Mind...
...that there are many smaller colleges and trade schools everywhere in New York. Some are more reputable than others. Be sure to research your choice thoroughly before making a decision.
Also, for financial aid, be sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid located at: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. You will need your tax information and parents tax information if you are not an 'independent student' (generally over 25 or married).
What do I want to go to school for?
First, you should ask yourself what it is that you want to do. Too many people enter college with no clue of what they want to do. Some say that this is fine, however, with the cost of college in the United States skyrocketing, they should think twice before spending money on a major that they may change their mind on. While financial aid in the United States for school is generally very good, chances are you will also rely on additional loans to cover living expenses. Many people in the United States take massive loan debt on to complete school. Many of these individuals did not need to borrow so much, but made the mistake of taking on too much debt for various reasons. Many experts say that a college education does not hold the value that it held in the past. In fact, many say the opportunity cost of going to college can be greater than entering into the workforce if you have certain skills. Also, don't overlook trade schools which may offer a chance to learn a trade for a fraction of the cost that a four year degree would cost.
Futhermore, graduate school is often seen as being required for some majors. In fact, some students find themselves entering graduate school due to the lack of jobs in the current U.S. economy. Graduate school adds considerable debt, with prices ranging sometimes upwards of $40,000 a year to attend. Law School and Medical School are both options as well, but both are expensive and jobs are not guaranteed upon graduation. In fact, many students find themselves working in fields that have little to nothing to do with what they went to school for, even if they went to graduate school.
That being said, be sure you want to do what you are entering school to do. Also, research majors and take into account what is in demand, while remembering to go into something you are truly passionate about.
How Much Do I Want To Spend For College?
Going to college in New York is expensive. Private Universities like Fordham, St. John's, and Columbia are exceedingly expensive. Granted, some of these schools, especially Columbia, has prestige that goes with a degree. However, many students will find themselves with considerable debt in order to finish the program.
Do not discount going to public universities such as CUNY, NYU, and Rutgers (which is in New Jersey), although none of these are particularly cheap. One good option is to enter a community college for the first two years and transfer to a "four year" college for the remainder of your studies. Your degree with be from the four year college but at a fraction of the price.
Remember, student loan debt is generally non-dischargable in bankruptcy (there are a couple of very strict cases in which it can be discharged, but these generally are the result of drastic medical damages or life changes), and that should not be considered an option anyway.
If you were in the US Military, be sure to take into consideration the programs offered through the military for college. Likewise, many companies offer tuition reimbursement for those who continue education on a track similar to the requirements of their job.
What Colleges Are in New York City?
MANHATTAN is home to Fordham University, Columbia University, Yeshiva University, NYU, Rockefeller University, CUNY, MCNY and many, many others.
QUEENS has branches of CUNY, and St. John's University.
BROOKLYN has Long Island University, St. Francis College, Pratt Institute, and branches of CUNY.
THE BRONX is home to Fordham University.
STATEN ISLAND has a branch of St. John's University.
Also, Keep In Mind...
...that there are many smaller colleges and trade schools everywhere in New York. Some are more reputable than others. Be sure to research your choice thoroughly before making a decision.
Also, for financial aid, be sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid located at: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. You will need your tax information and parents tax information if you are not an 'independent student' (generally over 25 or married).