I just had to participate in the Ann Arbor love. I did my undergrad at U of M.
Also, I loled when you said you hated Wharton on sight. I am currently a grad student at Penn, and the social work building is right next door to the Wharton school of business. I’m not sure why they decided that would be a good idea, but it’s hysterical to see them… you know, being them, what with us being us.
I like my department, but Penn is such a tiny, conservative school and I consider U of M vastly superior. Michigan puts its money where its mouth is when it comes to social justice issues. I miss Ann Arbor. I will sing the praises of my beloved alma mater until the day I die. Let me know if you have any questions re: campus, I grew up hanging out there on weekends and lived in Ann Arbor for 6 years.
My second year in grad school I didn’t have to pay tuition because I had a job as a Project Assistant – I was managing a small (very small) campus library. I was at the same status as a Teaching Assistant or Research Assistant. I had another part-time job on campus too, but that one was just a regular student hourly job and didn’t come with any tuition benefits.
My mother also got through grad school largely thanks to PA and TA jobs that qualified her for tuition remission. There are often jobs like this available at universities, although it depends a lot on your field and the school’s financial situation.
I’m headed to American University, since from all accounts they are the place to go specifically for International Development. I’ve heard nothing but great stuff, and DC seems like it’ll be a great city to live in! I’m literally counting the days- I’m at 87!
Online isn’t a good option in this particular case, since a big part of the program is fieldwork, internships and making professional contacts.
Just wanted to post an update regarding GradPlus (and other private loans): I just called my school to figure out how to get these (this is my first time going outside the federal aid) and they told me that they wouldn’t be available until about mid-June because they university is in the process of setting the final tuition and R&B rates etc. etc… Apparently we get notified when all of this is set in stone. I also followed up by asking if this would be the same story I’d get from a completely private lender, and they said that it would be and that outside of getting all my FAFSA stuff done (check) that nothing more is possible till mid-June for me.
Finally, if you’ve already filed FAFSA and if your school has already determined your federal student aid eligibility (the $20,500), you can go ahead and sign your master promissory note, which is what it takes to finalize this aid and have it credited to your account in the fall.
Hope that helps. I’ll post an update regarding GradPlus vs complete private (for which the interest rates are significantly lower right now).
I will sing the praises of my beloved alma mater until the day I die. Let me know if you have any questions re: campus, I grew up hanging out there on weekends and lived in Ann Arbor for 6 years.