I took on almost $200K in student loans to attend Columbia for grad school. No regrets, but I’m not sure I’d recommend it to everyone. The name opened doors, but the debt is a huge burden. If you’re thinking about an Ivy League degree, is it worth the cost?
That’s a lot of debt. Do you think you would have had the same career opportunities without Columbia?
Colby said:
That’s a lot of debt. Do you think you would have had the same career opportunities without Columbia?
Probably not. The Columbia name helped in job interviews, especially in Asia. Employers take you more seriously with an Ivy League degree.
How much did you get in scholarships? Or was it mostly loans?
Ari said:
How much did you get in scholarships? Or was it mostly loans?
Mostly loans. There were some scholarships to help with living expenses, but tuition was covered by loans.
Ari said:
How much did you get in scholarships? Or was it mostly loans?
Mostly loans. There were some scholarships to help with living expenses, but tuition was covered by loans.
So basically, it’s a long-term financial burden even with scholarships.
Ivy League schools definitely open doors, but IDK if it’s worth the stress of that much debt. Did you struggle financially while studying?
Pax said:
Ivy League schools definitely open doors, but IDK if it’s worth the stress of that much debt. Did you struggle financially while studying?
Yeah, had to work multiple jobs—Postmates delivery, after-school teaching, odd jobs—just to cover living costs. It was tough.
You mentioned struggling in your first year. What made it so difficult?
Davin said:
You mentioned struggling in your first year. What made it so difficult?
The academic environment was intense. Coming from Cal State, the bell-curve grading system and cutthroat competition were a big adjustment.
Would you still do it again, knowing what you know now?
Sawyer said:
Would you still do it again, knowing what you know now?
Yeah, but only because it worked out in the end. But for most people, there are cheaper ways to reach your goals.