- I decided to attend the University of Georgia, a state school.
- Now that I’m in my fourth year, I know I made the right decision to go to a public school.
- It was cheaper, I had more opportunity to explore my interests, and I’m ready for my career.
Deciding where to go to college was one of the most important — and stressful — decisions I have ever made.
I considered many factors — from cost to location to school spirit. After carefully weighing my options, I chose to attend my state school.
Now that I’m in my fourth year at the University of Georgia, I know I made the right decision. Here’s why I think everyone should attend state schools.
Affordability
One of the most compelling reasons to attend a state school is affordability. In addition to lower tuition for in-state students, my state has a lottery-funded scholarship that covers full tuition for many students.
This financial support has not only reduced my debt but also given me the chance to do an intensive study abroad program in Hawaii and the flexibility to consider graduate school without significant financial stress.
Flexibility in academic choices
Early in my first year, I realized something that many college students can relate to: My initial college major didn’t align with my career goals.
Fortunately, my state school offers hundreds of majors. With the help of my advisor, I transitioned seamlessly between colleges, going from environmental economics to management and eventually to my current major, management information systems.
Diverse course offerings
In addition to a broad array of majors, my state school offers a wide range of electives.
I have been encouraged to step outside my comfort zone and discover new passions in global agriculture, ecology, jazz, ballroom dance, and golf.
The unique courses I took during my first year ultimately led me to add two certificates — sustainability and leadership — to my degree.
Campus life and resources
With hundreds of student-run clubs and organizations on campus, state schools offer endless opportunities to pursue even the most niche interests. I am involved in athletics (Club Tennis), professional groups (Women in Technology and Women in Business), community building (Honors Student Council), and volunteering (Serve UGA).
I’m also a member of the Honors College, which gives me a smaller group in a larger student body and the opportunity to take advanced courses.
The resources available on campus are equally impressive. My school has multiple dining halls with diverse cuisines, spacious libraries, a state-of-the-art gym facility, and a comprehensive health center.
These amenities have helped me maintain my physical and mental well-being while prioritizing academics.
Career and networking opportunities
Attending my state school has been instrumental in jump-starting my career. The active alumni network is an invaluable resource, with many alumni returning to campus to help with recruiting efforts.
When I reached out, alumni were more than willing to conduct mock interviews and guide me through the job application process, which was incredibly helpful.
Additionally, my state school’s strong regional reputation has made identifying and targeting companies easier during my job search. Employers see firsthand the impact of my university through our well-prepared graduates, giving students a competitive advantage in the job market. This helped me to secure a full-time consulting offer before graduation.
Proximity to home
As the oldest child in my family, I was nervous to be the first to leave the house and head off to college. I was afraid of feeling homesick and isolated from my family. Attending my state school allowed me to stay close enough to drive home on weekends during my freshman year, which eased my transition.
As I became more involved on campus and found my place, I now go home infrequently as a fourth-year. However, knowing that home is just a short drive away if needed is comforting.
Attending a state school has provided me with an affordable, flexible, and enriching college experience. From diverse academic offerings to career opportunities and a strong sense of community, my decision to enroll in a state school has been one of the best choices I’ve ever made.
For students weighing their college options, I strongly recommend considering the many benefits of attending a state school.
Read the full article here
