Comparing IIT and Tulane (architecture programs)

[Zackismet]

Please, only comment if you know what you're talking about.

So... here's the dilio- IIT is offering me 16 grand to go there (1/2 the total cost) as is Tulane (but that's only 1/3 of the cost).

IIT
has a good architecture program- but the school SUCKS (in the social sense). Nobody is open to meeting new people, the food has been deemed unfit for human consumption multiple times by the Chicago Health Board, and the buildings are just boring... BUT it's in my hometown- the best place in the world...

Tulane
has a great architecture program, great people, great campus, i love all of it... except the cost... It's 45 grand a year and I only have 60 saved up. It's possible for me to make about 9 grand working part-time minimum wage... but _ _ _ I don't know if it's worth it to take out loans... PROBLEM- They are giving me the 16 grand scholarship based on my grades from 1st semester this year... however- they have sunk miserably since then (hey, i'm a 2nd semester senior- i figured it didn't matter...)- will they check my 2nd semester grades, and if so- will they revoke the grant?

thank you for your help!

[btownmeggy]

This is for graduate or undergraduate?

[LSU Tiger Josh]

As we at LSU say Tuck Fulane

[Zackismet]

This is for graduate or undergraduate?

this is for the undergraduate programs.

[btownmeggy]

If the scholarship is guaranteed for all 5 years (or however long it'll be), I'd go for the more prestigious program regardless of price. The price difference is not enormous, since you're getting aid from both. You're not already bogged down with undergraduate debt. Here's the thing about institutional prestige: so much of it is based on how their alumni are doing professionally. That means, one, that they prepare people well for successful careers and, two, you'll have institutional connections to very successful architects which will make getting a good job much easier when you graduate.

[diddle]

i'm hoping to be an architecht when i grow up, all i gotta do is get good A-level results (Uk only)