UMD or UCI for Criminology

[calm echo]

I got accepted into both UMD and UCI for Criminology. For UMD, the major is named as Criminology and Criminal Justice and for UC Irvine, it is named as Criminology, Law & Society.

I am an in-state kid from Maryland, so the financially, it would make sense to go to UMD as UC Irvine gives no financial aid to their OOS applicants. On certain websites, UMD's Criminology/Criminal Justice Major is ranked 1st and UC Irvine is ranked 2nd or 3rd. On other's it says UCI's Criminology major is ranked higher nationally and that their program is top-tier. I'm not too influenced by the rankings, but UC Irvine is ranked higher than UMD nationally, so my mom wants me to go there.

I'm having a crisis as where to go. Both are good schools, and as much as I want to go to UCI for the oos experience, my financial situation is telling me to go to UMD. My parents are willing to support me wherever I go, but it's obvious that my dad is leaning towards UMD because of the price. However, my mom wants me to go to UCI as it's more prestigious and high-ranked.

Honestly, I really want to go to UCI, but I feel like I will regret my decision and make things harder for me if I do go. Being in student debt seems brutal, but I also feel like if I don't go to UCI, I'll regret my decision forever. Wanting to go somewhere new and starting over has been something on my mind for a while, but I can't get rid of this foreboding feeling of guilt if I do decide to go to California. I have to consider my family and having a younger sister gives me more pressure. My parents will be well over their 60's maybe 70's once my sister graduates HS.

** message continued.... I've researched both schools, watched many videos, and even looked at posts here. The pros I would have if I go to UMD is that it's in-state, close to my parent's home, connections with HS friends (possible dorm roommates), can come home during breaks, and less money. For UCI, honestly the cons outweigh the pros a little bit. As someone who has never gone to California and knows almost nothing about the societal and education system (I did research eventually) and how expensive it is, I realize how living there alone without any parental help may affect me. But at the same time, I am all for adventure and trying new things, as well as meeting new people, creating new memories, living somewhere else besides my state, and leaving home for once.

[lean totem]

UMD

because its in state

but UC Irvine is a better U

tbh tho

if you want to go to UC Irvine, and cost isnt a big issue, just go there

[slate patrol]

how much is the burden of cost for uci compared to umd? the difference between a #1 program and a #2 program is honestly not that much; and the biggest thing about uci seems to be that you'd be able to move away and get some independence.
if you're willing to take on the cost, i'd say UCI, but the finances are something to consider. if your parents are contributing nothing, don't go to UCI - it's a great education, but not worth 70k every year for four years, honestly

[calm echo]

my parents are willing to pay. However, the issue is that my parents have to pay 20k, but the rest will be in loans. The loans will have to be under my name so once I get a job, automatically the money I earn will be payed off. I think one of the biggest concerns for me if I do end up going is if I'm going to be able to pay off the loans in time, esp bc my major isn't going to be cs. I'm also thinking of going to grad school as well.