Everybody wants that prestigious university name on their resume. It seems like just having a big name will get you your dream job. It should at least get your foot in the door.
Or will it? Is it worth it for the huge expense that Ivy League colleges ask?
It definitely is for some but maybe not so much for others.
In this article, we’ll go over some ideas so you can gauge whether it is worth it to go to an Ivy League School.
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That large tuition that you pay to get into an Ivy League or other top university of an equal caliber doesn’t just vanish into thin air.
These schools use their money to provide resources to their student body and faculty that other lower tier colleges cannot. Then there are also the huge endowments from wealthy alumni.
These resources make give a lot of value and as a result also contribute to a more thorough education.
Not always expensive
You may be surprised to learn that Ivy League schools can actually be affordable. Because of those enormous endowments, they can offer some very generous financial aid packages.
In the case of Princeton and Harvard, families who earn less than $65,000 per year are eligible for grants to pay the entire tuition.
The catch is that you have to be at the top of your class and have all your ducks in a row to be accepted. If you think you could make it into a top tier university, then it is a good idea to use College Admissions Consultants. This preparation can pay huge dividends to help you get accepted.
Networking matters
These days you can get a great job without needing to go to an Ivy League school. Some employers care more about your skill set and any relevant experience in the field.
The other side of that same coin, however, is that there is no better place to network to find that perfect job than at an Ivy League school.
Making contacts with people that have connections through family is a huge advantage that may not happen at a lower tier school. Then there is the fact that the person doing the hiring at a Fortune 500 company likely went to the same university. Alumni love to hire other alumni so you may have an advantage there over other prospects.
What type of job are you looking for?
If you want to be a social worker, then you should probably look into a local public university. You’re not likely to get a return on the investment of your tuition.
If you plan to work for a Fortune 500 company that has a high starting salary and lots of room to grow quickly, then you’re likely to be earning enough to justify the high tuition.
Is it worth it, then? Many times the answer is yes. It all depends on your means and your plans.
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