I am debating transferring to Smith College or UIC (University of Illinois at Chicago).
Yes, I know they are very different both in their environments and as far as academic challenge. Here's the situation:
I received a very generous financial aid package and an external scholarship that would cover my loans, which means both are debt free options. However, I currently live in Chicago and I can very realistically save money staying in Chicago (have a cheap-ish apartment) vs living on-campus or renting a room or apartment as a Smithie. I have 5 semesters left which means I could save about $10,000 (from getting a small refund and working a freelance position in Chicago).
I would be studying Government at Smith, Urban and Public Affairs at UIC (it's a smaller college than the Liberal Arts college.)
I am in my early 30s, so although I love the idea of finally getting to live the "college experience" I wonder if I should just accept that I'm in a different position in life and UIC makes more common sense. Another big consideration is that I am the only child to my mother who is in her mid-sixities. She works but does not have a stable job. I pay her cellphone and help her out a bit - however, when she's out of work for a couple months at a time, I have to pitch in a lot more, like paying rent or getting her up to date on heating bills so the service is not cut off. So basically, I'm worried that a situation like this might arise while I'm living out-of-state without money to bail her out.
I would like to go on to grad school but not interested in getting into debt over it. I'm looking at staying in the non-profit sector, so not expecting to make boatloads of money with my degree.
I would appreciate any comments or things I should consider as I make this decision.
Thanks!
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