Grad. school: public vs. private, longer vs. shorter, expensive vs. inexpensive

[jread]

I'm not going to make a drawn out post... just going to make a summary that lays it out. I'm so fucking sick of agonizing over this:

- Two options for grad. school if I decide to go the computer route (interests are Database Admin., Systems Analyst and possibly some Programming... not so much in Network or Desktop Support):

1. Private school, smaller, not widely known outside of the state, MS in Computer Information Systems, 50/50 focus on technology and IT management, excellent learning environment, will take 2-calendar years to complete, cost will be roughly $24,000 for the entire degree.

2. Public school, larger, somewhat known outside of the state, MS is Computer Science, 100% focus on hardcore CS, will take 2.5 or so years of undergrad courses (40 hours of undergrad CS, calculus, etc.) to qualify for acceptance into the program, then another 2 years for the masters (4.5 years total), cost will be roughly $8,000 for the entire degree.

Other, more minor factors: private school is ranked twice as high in masters programs as the public school (U.S. News rankings). Public school is in another city 30 miles away, while the private school is in the same city I live in. I work fulltime and will do all my courses in the evenings/weekends.

The million dollar question: 2 years of school for a CIS degree that will put me 24k in student loan debt, or 4.5 years of school for a CS degree that will put me 8k in student loan debt. Is the CS degree worth more or is the extra 2.5 years in the field worth more?

All input is appreciated. I'll be loading up my shotgun in the meantime.

[Leftfield]

#1: more diversified, private college is nice to grad students.

The debt can be paid off if the better degree is much more appreciated by yourself - do what you think is the best long-term idealistic vision for you.

No, the 2.5 more years of UG is probably not worth it unless you really want that, like 100%, 2nd guessing while in grad school is something you need not to ponder on.

[jread]

#1: more diversified, private college is nice to grad students.

The debt can be paid off if the better degree is much more appreciated by yourself - do what you think is the best long-term idealistic vision for you.

No, the 2.5 more years of UG is probably not worth it unless you really want that, like 100%, 2nd guessing while in grad school is something you need not to ponder on.

I honestly know I love the private school... I'm going there now and it's wonderful.

Do you think that those 2.5 years would be better spent actually working in the field and maybe increasing my chances of being able to pay off the 24k more quickly?

[Leftfield]

I honestly know I love the private school... I'm going there now and it's wonderful.

Do you think that those 2.5 years would be better spent actually working in the field and maybe increasing my chances of being able to pay off the 24k more quickly?

I tell you what, I was 50/50 on working/grad school and decided I couldn't commit to one specific major (Finance, International Biz, int'l Management, Economics, Consumer Behavior) so I decided that work was best.

Plus, I can get money (tuition reimbursement) from the company I work for to lead to a masters degree (most likely) since I will be committed if the job is that great.

I will work on the job, ponder what could be, determine the best future, and do it. I don't like forcing the issue too quickly, but time will tell you what your best path will be, maybe even come to you in a dream so when you wake up it all makes sense OR can come from a book, a friend, a professor, a forum, etc...

Personally, I do think that time in the field is better spent, but the ultimate decision lies with you. I can help you as a guide but I won't tell you what to do.

Edit: I also don't like to think more than I need to, need to open up some more windows to meeting "her" as well, the career isn't everything!

[Ferrus]

I need to, need to open up some more windows to meeting "her" as well, the career isn't everything!
For many of us introverted types however the latter is usually the best way of facillitating the former.

[Leftfield]

For many of us introverted types however the latter is usually the best way of facillitating the former.

This is a good point, but what if the woman you meet is already successful and your job/role in the relationship is more "secondary" due to her already existing power?

This is why I as a 23 year old studnet ready to graduate, hesitate when I meet a successful business/professional woman that has an interest in me (they are always older).

It's like, I want to be like you, but could also be a part with you... but I am not there and you are and for me to get where you are is by moving to a city to give me the opportunity for me to succeed; therefore, the relationship could never work out... a little too deep but relates to a current situation I have encapsulated myself into...

[Ferrus]

(they are always older)
Herein lies your problem. For a start it seems somewhat against the natural order of things to be going for an older women, though whatever floats your boat, personally I think it's better to get a decent career, some respect, a nice car etc. and then get a women who's younger than you (and hopefully hot).

[Leftfield]

Herein lies your problem. For a start it seems somewhat against the natural order of things to be going for an older women, though whatever floats your boat, personally I think it's better to get a decent career, some respect, a nice car etc. and then get a women who's younger than you (and hopefully hot).

Yeah, it may end up that way, especially since America is such a masculine country and all. Therefore, it's a role reversal and I am the one that is looked up to, which is total flattery.

However, I prefer that the relationship be equal 50/50, so I guess in a year or two I'll be dating a 23 year old with a medical degree...

[Ferrus]

dating a 23 year old with a medical degree...
I think many INTPs want to marry a rich doctor so they can live the life of a dilettante.