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Old 03-09-2010, 10:48 AM
 
2 posts, read 9,593 times
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Hi all,

I was accepted into the Master's programs for Higher Education Administration at UMass Amherst and Boston College. Though I am thrilled about both prospects, making the final decision has not been easy. At UMass, there is a good chance that I will leave with no debt/come out with more money than I went in with; with BC, I will leave with debt. The benefit of notoriety at Boston College is hard to deny, but is it worth it to accumulate debt?

Any personal anecdotes concerning ANY graduate program at either of these instituions would be great appreciated. Also, any information on housing/cost of living within close proximity of either of these campuses would be appreciated.

Thank you!
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Old 03-09-2010, 01:40 PM
 
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Where did you go for your undergrad? I would try not to go to the same school that you did your undergrad at. Also, are you planning on working in the Boston area? BC might be a benefit for you there, but if your just trying to get a job anywhere in New England it probably doesn't matter as much.

My personal opinion is go with the one that doesn't give you any debt. If BC isn't going to give you a good deal then go to UMass. Stay out of debt and you should be able to get a job. Most places will be looking at the fact you have a master's degree, not where you got it from (unless it is a joke of a school)...but in this case UMass is more than fine. UMass will also be cheaper to rent instead of renting close to Boston which will just add to your expenses.
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Old 03-09-2010, 03:10 PM
 
Location: Beautiful New England
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Quote:
Originally Posted by whatyouwishfor View Post
At UMass, there is a good chance that I will leave with no debt/come out with more money than I went in with; with BC, I will leave with debt. The benefit of notoriety at Boston College is hard to deny, but is it worth it to accumulate debt?
Not for an education administration degree. Go to UMass and save your money.
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Old 03-10-2010, 08:07 AM
 
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I got my Bachelor's degree in New York State, so with either school I would not be attending where I went for undergraduate.
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Old 03-10-2010, 08:47 AM
 
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I can't speak for these programs or even for Ed Admin in general, but I will say that I accumulated all kinds of debt in grad school and I don't recommend it if it can be avoided. Yes, BC is a good school, but you'll get jobs not from your alma mater but from the connections you make while in school. Just make the most of your program and you'll be in a great spot--no need to pay a "second mortgage" like I do each month. Seriously, it wears on you.
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Old 03-10-2010, 03:19 PM
 
Location: North of Boston
3,689 posts, read 7,435,107 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by whatyouwishfor View Post

The benefit of notoriety at Boston College is hard to deny...

BC would like you to think that. However, as mentioned above, for an education degree it will make no difference whatsoever. Go to UMass.
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Old 03-12-2010, 02:20 AM
 
18,735 posts, read 33,406,561 times
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"The benefit of notoriety"

Notoriety indeed. I thought notoriety referred to catching attention for nefarious and negative reasons, in which case BC is certainly notorious in the Boston area for extreme expense. Seems like the Irish-descended people just hold this school is awe.
Certainly not worth the huge debt involved when likely all you get for the money is some minor status in some few places in the world.
Go to the state school, without question.
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Old 03-14-2010, 06:03 AM
 
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When I went to UMASS, UMASS Amherst was ranked higher than BC. I was faced with the same decision for undergrad. I chose UMASS and had an excellent education with no debt after - which vastly improved the quality of my life for years after. I also really enjoyed the campus, Amherst has a quaint downtown. It is beautiful there - a great way to spend a few years.
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Old 03-20-2010, 02:15 PM
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by professorsenator View Post
Not for an education administration degree. Go to UMass and save your money.
I concur. Save your money.
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Old 03-20-2010, 06:50 PM
 
7,927 posts, read 7,823,402 times
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I'd hate to change the tide here but....there are public institutions cheaper than umass Amherst
School of Graduate Studies : School of Graduate Studies : Bridgewater State College
Student Accounts : Student Accounts : Bridgewater State College
UMass Amherst - 2009/10 Graduate School Bulletin: Tuition & Fees
4K vs nearly 11K
But I'm not sure what part of higher education you are entering.

I agree though that if you don't have to incur more debt then don't.
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