So, I'm stuck choosing between Ithaca College and Buffalo State University. Ithaca offers me 12k a year off the bat + writing program + honors program. Buffalo offers me shit, but is cheaper.

I desperately want to go to Ithaca.

My parents want me to go to Buffalo, only because it's more well-known.

Jesus Fuck... What shall I do?

Ithaca.

I know Asian parents. They want the prestige, but that means shit. It doesn't matter where you get your bachelors, so pick one you're happy with and not one that's more well-known.

I think you'll be happier at Ithaca. Seems like you did your research.

Well, you see, Buffalo is cheaper. About $80k+ cheaper.

Damn girl. Damn. Are you planning to take student loans? RESP? Parents paying?

Loans. And the 12k was without asking for scolarship money. I am pretty sure I can ask for scolarship money and cut it in half/get full scolarship. I haven't yet applied for financial aid- I will be doing so.

And my parents have 5-8 houses. Selling one will pay for my entire 4 years in college.
Tough decision.

Ithaca then. You're going to be fine. You're more than capable and deserve an education you enjoy and can be proud of. It's ultimately your choice and no one else's. Not even your parents.

True... I just hope my parents see it the same way, since they'll be footing the bill for the time until I get back on the scholarships/federal aid.

Please tell me you mean $80k over the course of 4 years, including rent and all other costs, and not like $80k/year just for tuition or something, . Because if it's an extra $80k a year I would strongly advise you to put that money into a bank account instead of using it to pay people to tell you what to learn.

80k over the course of 4 years.

Phew. You always hear that post-secondary education is really expensive in the States, but I'm not really sure how expensive...

Well it depends if you go private or public. Publics tend to be very big, and the government foots all the bills. Private, only the kids foot the bill, and they tend to be small. Itahaca is a very small school but has as many clubs and activites as Buffalo does.

Go where you want to go, not where your parents want you to go.

If you don't follow your instincts, you'll probably regret it forever and be miserable. Erm. It's not like I ever did something like that before...

I know too well

Soulless, I can tell that you have your heart set on Ithaca. It's more expensive, but it would be a sound investment if what the place offers is what you feel would be best for you, whereas going to a place that you are not happy with could turn out to be a waste of time and of course money. Long term benefits clearly outweigh any short term ones.

With parents, it can be tough when dilemmas like these happen, but I would definitely advise you to stand your ground if you're certain about what you want (which it sounds like you are, having thought about the pros and cons and also about how you would pay should you chose Ithaca.) After all, it is your life.

If you plan on getting a master's(or PhD) level of education then finance wouldn't matter.

Ithaca.