Feb 01, 2008 18:23
I've been taking advantage of free wireless internet in the city to research graduate schools. I'm looking at programs in Library and Information Science because, of course, that's what I want to do. I want to do distance learning because I really don't want to go back to school in person. So I've basically narrowed it down to like 7 schools, and really narrowed it down to 3:
Valdosta State University
PROS: CHEAP!!! Like, the whole program, tuition and fees, at the current rate would cost under $7000. That is freaking awesome. They also have a couple of interesting concentrations available, and since it's in state, I have the option of taking "hybrid" classes where you have to actually show up every once in a while.
CONS: It's Valdosta State University
University of Wisconsin--Milwaukee
PROS: Good name; relatively cheap for an out of state program; can be completed 100% online, so I would never have to go there
CONS: Although relatively cheap, it'll still be over $23,000...that's still a lot; it can be completed 100% online, but you don't get as good of a selection of classes
University of Arizona
PROS: Good name; relatively cheap for an out of state program; almost entirely online
CONS: Would still cost over $25,000; I would have to go to Arizona for a week long orientation; wouldn't get a full selection of classes since not ALL are offered online
So what do you think? The only thing that Valdosta State really has against it is that it's Valdosta State, and that it's a brand new program (but really that's not that bad). But it's an accredited program, it's geographically available (without flying), and it's CHEAP!!!!
So do I go to the cheap but less good school, or pay the big bucks for the good name?
Right now I'm leaning to sucking it up and going to Valdosta. Come on, no more student loans (or minimal loans). Sweet.
BUT TELL ME YOUR OPINIONS!!!