VTCC or The Citadel...decisions!

degli

5-Year Member
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OK, so all along my ds was set on The Citadel. Absolutely loved the overnight. After just recently attending an overnight at VTCC, he is struggling with a decision. Time needless to say is running short. He did not receive an AROTC scholarship and the only money given would be from VTCC (Emerging Leaders Scholarship, 12K over 4 years). At VTCC, he loves the academics/ with a Corps within the college. And Citadel it is definitely the stronger military feel. Also, Charleston isn't too shabby. He does want to apply for the 3 year campus based scholarship freshman year. He intends to commission. Btw, his major is History.
Now I don't want to get into the "college bashing", since I know they are 2 great institutions. Just would love some constructive opinions on this.
Are more 3 year scholarships given to one school over the other/ proportionally? Etc........
 
Assume that no scholarship becomes available at The Citadel, and he ends up paying full price at either school with factoring-in the VTCC scholarship, which school is most affordable for your DS? I wouldn't be counting on a 3-year at The Citadel unless you're willing to bank on his academics and PT scores being excellent.

Sounds to me like your DS is favoring The Citadel, but that VTCC makes more financial sense, and he likes it there too. Yes? Does he want that Citadel all-military experience, or does he want a ROTC experience within a larger university, meeting and mingling with "regular" college students outside the Corps? The leadership opportunities for ROTC cadets in "regular college" environments can be valuable experience for emerging leaders.

If he chooses Citadel and ends up not getting a scholarship, would the price for that bachelor's degree in history be a sound investment? (I'm not saying it wouldn't be, given certain goals -- like, if DS is planning to eventually go into business, law, or law enforcement in the southeast, those Citadel connections can be currency.)

People talk about Citadel and VMI a lot on this forum, but there's not nearly as much chatter about the other SMCs. That doesn't mean those programs aren't as worthy. Whichever school he goes to, he has an opportunity to be the best he can be, dependent on how much effort and devotion he puts into it.

Choose the school that makes the most financial sense for your DS's future. I realize I have no input on the actual question: "Are more 3 year scholarships given to one school over the other/ proportionally?" I don't have an answer for that.

I will add though that my DS was counting on a 3.5-year or a 3-year at UNG, and despite a good first-semester GPA and great PT scores, he wasn't one of the few chosen for a scholarship. We're ok though, because UNG charges out-of-state cadets in-state tuition, and it's reasonable. Plus, his major has good long-term possibilities for global leaders. (If all goes as planned, he will graduate with an International Affairs degree, 4 years of Chinese, a year and a half studying and working in China, and a minor in military leadership. The investment in this course of study is an investment DS is willing to make, with or without the scholarship.) Bonus: now that DS has been at UNG almost a year, he loves the UNG Corps.

I'm not trying to sell your DS on UNG, just that VTCC is similar to UNG. The environment at a school that isn't all-military is very different from one that is. I will add that other than interaction with civilian students in classes, my DS is happy that his experience at UNG is without a doubt a military college experience that mimics how things work in the regular Army. (Interaction with civilians; after first semester, you can change into civvies after 5 pm, you don't necessarily have to wear uniforms off campus, etc.)

I've had the opportunity to interact with VTCC leadership, alumni and parents, and have been impressed with what they have going on. (Not saying Citadel isn't impressive too -- just that Citadel gets a lot more traffic on this forum from alumni and parents.)
 
Assume that no scholarship becomes available at The Citadel, and he ends up paying full price at either school with factoring-in the VTCC scholarship, which school is most affordable for your DS? I wouldn't be counting on a 3-year at The Citadel unless you're willing to bank on his academics and PT scores being excellent.

Sounds to me like your DS is favoring The Citadel, but that VTCC makes more financial sense, and he likes it there too. Yes? Does he want that Citadel all-military experience, or does he want a ROTC experience within a larger university, meeting and mingling with "regular" college students outside the Corps? The leadership opportunities for ROTC cadets in "regular college" environments can be valuable experience for emerging leaders.

This is what he is trying to decide. I was hoping that it would be clear cut after the 2 overnights, but not so.....

If he chooses Citadel and ends up not getting a scholarship, would the price for that bachelor's degree in history be a sound investment? (I'm not saying it wouldn't be, given certain goals -- like, if DS is planning to eventually go into business, law, or law enforcement in the southeast, those Citadel connections can be currency.)

He has expressed interest in Law...

People talk about Citadel and VMI a lot on this forum, but there's not nearly as much chatter about the other SMCs. That doesn't mean those programs aren't as worthy. Whichever school he goes to, he has an opportunity to be the best he can be, dependent on how much effort and devotion he puts into it.

Choose the school that makes the most financial sense for your DS's future. I realize I have no input on the actual question: "Are more 3 year scholarships given to one school over the other/ proportionally?" I don't have an answer for that.

I will add though that my DS was counting on a 3.5-year or a 3-year at UNG, and despite a good first-semester GPA and great PT scores, he wasn't one of the few chosen for a scholarship. We're ok though, because UNG charges out-of-state cadets in-state tuition, and it's reasonable. Plus, his major has good long-term possibilities for global leaders. (If all goes as planned, he will graduate with an International Affairs degree, 4 years of Chinese, a year and a half studying and working in China, and a minor in military leadership. The investment in this course of study is an investment DS is willing to make, with or without the scholarship.) Bonus: now that DS has been at UNG almost a year, he loves the UNG Corps.

I'm not trying to sell your DS on UNG, just that VTCC is similar to UNG. The environment at a school that isn't all-military is very different from one that is. I will add that other than interaction with civilian students in classes, my DS is happy that his experience at UNG is without a doubt a military college experience that mimics how things work in the regular Army. (Interaction with civilians; after first semester, you can change into civvies after 5 pm, you don't necessarily have to wear uniforms off campus, etc.)

That's ironic. The only negative for him at VTCC was that the cadets could change into civies after first semester. He likes the hard corps stuff...

I've had the opportunity to interact with VTCC leadership, alumni and parents, and have been impressed with what they have going on. (Not saying Citadel isn't impressive too -- just that Citadel gets a lot more traffic on this forum from alumni and parents.)

All great points. Thanks for your input....
 
That's ironic. The only negative for him at VTCC was that the cadets could change into civies after first semester. He likes the hard corps stuff...

After 9 months of pretty hard core stories from my cadet, I feel qualified to say that what one wears while off-duty does not make one "hard corps."

I remember my DS having that same qualm when he first started thinking seriously about UNG vs. Citadel. But honestly, once his first semester of all-uniforms-all-the-time was over, and he could change into civvies evenings and weekends when the Corps wasn't at work, he was pretty happy about that.
 
After 9 months of pretty hard core stories from my cadet, I feel qualified to say that what one wears while off-duty does not make one "hard corps."

I remember my DS having that same qualm when he first started thinking seriously about UNG vs. Citadel. But honestly, once his first semester of all-uniforms-all-the-time was over, and he could change into civvies evenings and weekends when the Corps wasn't at work, he was pretty happy about that.

Gotcha, thanks!
 
As a parent, I am always concerned about finances. Even as an educator I do not believe in going into too much debt just for an education. There is no degree out there that is worth $200,000 in debt (Yes, I have met a student with that much debt for an undergrad degree). Debt is a burden that last years and has a greater impact on ones lives than most realize.

As such, in my opinion, the decision is strictly a financial one unless you are prepared to pay the higher of the two. While our children may not like the reality of that situation, it is a lesson they should learn.

Hoping for a campus based 3 or even 2 yr scholarship. This would definitely help with either school.
 
Don't go into debt for an undergraduate degree. Especially one in the liberal arts. I mean, if it's the only way to afford college, minimize it as much as possible by taking advantage of in-state opportunities. This is just my general line now (not so much geared towards the OP).

And REALLY think about law school.

Going into debt for law school is a dicey proposition. The Bar is saturated and the legal market isn't as strong as it once was. Plenty of new grads can't find jobs, because jobs that were once less desirable are more and more competitive every year. I'm an attorney, and I wouldn't counsel someone to pursue a JD unless practicing law was all they wanted to do AND they could do it with no debt. I mean, if you go to HLS or YLS, it's ok to take a loan, but not for anything outside of the top 20.
 
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I can understand the want, rather the need, to attend a school that you have had your sights on. So I can understand what your child is going through. I spent a lot of time with the financial aid office of the citadel (so I can't and won't pretend like I know what goes on at the other school) but heres what I do know.

Me and the majority of the freshman class will be taking out some sort of loan.

Me and the majority of the freshman class will be competing for AFROTC, NROTC/Marine, and AROTC 3- year scholarships (all respectively). In other words, competition will be fierce; I am working and aiming at the NROTC scholarship - trying to get in peak condition before the school year (and CSI).

My understanding is that the AROTC 3-year scholarship requirements consist of more physical demands, as opposed to the requirements of ROTC programs, but academics are still major (3.0+ is my recommendation as it makes you a more competitive applicant). The benefit of keeping your academics up is that there are also other academic scholarships available to students after their first year that distributed by the school itself on the basis of "need" and achievement.

Overall, the numerous financial advisors I have spoke with said it was normal for students to take out some sort of loan their first year, so don't be discouraged. Just know that your child, like me and many many many other freshman, will be competing for the same scholarships. If I were you, I'd stress the fact that there will be lots of competition.

I hope my input was of some use to you,

You can contact the Citadel with your inquiries about AROTC Scholarships at:
bradym1@citadel.edu
 
I can understand the want, rather the need, to attend a school that you have had your sights on. So I can understand what your child is going through. I spent a lot of time with the financial aid office of the citadel (so I can't and won't pretend like I know what goes on at the other school) but heres what I do know.

Me and the majority of the freshman class will be taking out some sort of loan.

Me and the majority of the freshman class will be competing for AFROTC, NROTC/Marine, and AROTC 3- year scholarships (all respectively). In other words, competition will be fierce; I am working and aiming at the NROTC scholarship - trying to get in peak condition before the school year (and CSI).

My understanding is that the AROTC 3-year scholarship requirements consist of more physical demands, as opposed to the requirements of ROTC programs, but academics are still major (3.0+ is my recommendation as it makes you a more competitive applicant). The benefit of keeping your academics up is that there are also other academic scholarships available to students after their first year that distributed by the school itself on the basis of "need" and achievement.

Overall, the numerous financial advisors I have spoke with said it was normal for students to take out some sort of loan their first year, so don't be discouraged. Just know that your child, like me and many many many other freshman, will be competing for the same scholarships. If I were you, I'd stress the fact that there will be lots of competition.

I hope my input was of some use to you,

You can contact the Citadel with your inquiries about AROTC Scholarships at:
bradym1@citadel.edu

Thanks, will do.
 
Degli,
I'm a bit familiar with both schools and I have to agree with others on this forum--I wouldn't go into debt for either cause. The freshman year at either school will be tough, but there are solid networks at both schools that may pay off long term. And VT has a great engineering program. However, I'd ask you if there are any good ROTC programs at your in-state schools… I'd pursue that option first. Just MHO.
 
Degli,
I'm a bit familiar with both schools and I have to agree with others on this forum--I wouldn't go into debt for either cause. The freshman year at either school will be tough, but there are solid networks at both schools that may pay off long term. And VT has a great engineering program. However, I'd ask you if there are any good ROTC programs at your in-state schools… I'd pursue that option first. Just MHO.

Also consider the SMCs that offer in-state tuition for out-of-state cadets, and other financial incentives that bring the cost to a more reasonable investment.
 
The only instate school that offers ROTC is University of Delaware, school of which he vehemently does NOT want to attend. The other SMC that he got accepted to is VMI. None of the 3 schools/ Citadel, VTCC and VMI offer instate tuition to out of staters. His choice at this point is VTCC or Citadel as stated in my first post. Just wanted opinions which I have gotten plenty. I know that both tuitions are high but wanted to help him make the best decision. Like I said, VTCC is offering some money and he will do his best to get a campus based scholarship. Any other thoughts???
 
The only instate school that offers ROTC is University of Delaware, school of which he vehemently does NOT want to attend. The other SMC that he got accepted to is VMI. None of the 3 schools/ Citadel, VTCC and VMI offer instate tuition to out of staters. His choice at this point is VTCC or Citadel as stated in my first post. Just wanted opinions which I have gotten plenty. I know that both tuitions are high but wanted to help him make the best decision. Like I said, VTCC is offering some money and he will do his best to get a campus based scholarship. Any other thoughts???

Wishing him the best of luck, whatever he decides.

Don't know if this will help, but under some conditions, out-of-state members of the Texas A &M corps of cadets qualify for in-state tuition. (Recipients of any merit scholarship of $1000 or more, Eagle Scouts, former members of JROTC, Sea Cadets, or Civil Air Patrol, for example.)

scholarships.tamu.edu/information/tuition_waiver.aspx


RR
 
Wishing him the best of luck, whatever he decides.

Don't know if this will help, but under some conditions, out-of-state members of the Texas A &M corps of cadets qualify for in-state tuition. (Recipients of any merit scholarship of $1000 or more, Eagle Scouts, former members of JROTC, Sea Cadets, or Civil Air Patrol, for example.)

scholarships.tamu.edu/information/tuition_waiver.aspx


RR

Thanks!
 
Any other thoughts???

Your DS should pursue every available outside scholarship. My son's school sends out a monthly list of local, state, and country-wide scholarships. There are huge sites too (some reputable, some not so much) that can pinpoint appropriate and relevant scholarships. He'll just be writing lots of essays :) A friend's DS wrote out 27 scholarship apps last year and received funds from 12 of them equaling $20,000. Some renew and some were just for the first year.
 
1. I agree with others that finances trumps all, but finances are not always an issue for some.
2. There is straight SMC (Citadel) vs a Corps of Cadets within a larger university. Some think one is a pro, the other a con. Personally I think the mix at VTCC is a plus and gives the advantages of an SMC experience along with a more "normal" college experience.
3. Monastic (VTCC) vs Big City (Citadel). I prefer monastic myself but YMMV.
4. Four seasons (VTCC) vs something else (Citadel).
5. Hokie stone vs ????
 
My DS was in the same boat prior to receiving a scholarship. Because of finances, he would have gone to FSU even tho his heart was set on Citadel. Even now, he could have a free ride to FSU but we will pay the difference for him to attend the Citadel. As his mother, it is a relief for the following reasons:
1. I know my son and he will thrive in a more structured environment with young men and women who are like minded. Not saying that other college ROTC cadets aren't like minded but he would have hated to have a roommate who was all about partying all the time.
2. He may have struggled being lost in a sea of students (average class size at Citadel is 26).
3. Also consider the education -- no graduate students or teacher's aides teaching at the Citadel. That's one-on-one time with your professor during every class.
4. It's their first time away from home with tons of temptations and pitfalls, I feel more confident sending him to the Citadel where there is a curfew; where someone will notice right away if he isn't there.
5. Where there is someone helping him navigate his way (because they still need it).
6. Where he is not only accountable to himself but to a superior for his grades and his conduct.
Basically, it's almost like having a parent there without your parent being there.
I wish you well in your decision. It's definitely not an easy one.
 
Thanks Hopeful,
It would have been a much easier decision if he had received a scholarship. This is definitely one of the hardest decisions to make. I think deep down The Citadel is where he wanted to be along with many other students. The structure is great, I agree. I'm thinking it's gonna be VTCC with the small scholarship he already received. It is a great school in many ways plus the tuition is better for out of state. We shall see....
 
Thanks Hopeful,
It would have been a much easier decision if he had received a scholarship. This is definitely one of the hardest decisions to make. I think deep down The Citadel is where he wanted to be along with many other students. The structure is great, I agree. I'm thinking it's gonna be VTCC with the small scholarship he already received. It is a great school in many ways plus the tuition is better for out of state. We shall see....

Sent you a PM
 
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