Finding the Best Value School
If you are interested in studying in a foreign country, it’s important that you find a school that both fits your educational (and career!) goals as well as your wallet. Many schools in the US can be pricey compared to what you may expect to pay back home, but the value of a US education in the long-term can be invaluable to your career and long-term earning potential.
With this in mind, it’s important to consider the following factors when choosing your school and finding the best value school:
- How much will you be expected to pay?
- Is there any available scholarships, grants or other awards?
- Does the school offer a unique program that will coincide with your career goals?
- How much money on-average can you expect to pay upon graduation and 5-years post graduation?
Considering these questions will help you narrow down the selection so that you have help find the best value school. The US News came out with the Best Value Schools in the US:
- Harvard University
- Yale University
- Princeton University
- Stanford University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Columbia University
- Dartmouth College
- California Institute of Technology
- Duke University
- Rice University
As you evaluate schools, keep in mind that finding the best value school may be different for you depending on your needs. The first place to start would be to see what schools are top in the area you wish to study. You can do this by looking at rankings, comparing statistics, and talking to alumna. Once you have narrowed down your selection, then start the dialogue with the school and see what the average per-year cost would be and what the likelihood of obtaining any financial assistance is. As you continue to gather more information, the clearer value will soon be revealed.