Where to Finish my Degree?

[PrettyFlyforaChiGuy]

This is the unpopular choice, but if the "traditional college experience" weighs heavily in your thoughts, I likely would go for the state uni, as (1) the debt is relatively light (although not as light as free) and (2) it would be hard to impossible to have a future opportunity to get that kind of lifestyle as you get older. I don't think you should count on networking so much, but you would have chance to at least get the experience if you want. Also, I'd say the appeal of the potential minors shouldn't really be a strong draw. I had a couple minors that were picked up almost accidentally, but they've never really come up again in my life.

In terms of debt, I personally left with more what you would face. It was paid off in a couple years, even living alone in a foreign country with all the costs that come with doing that. It sounds like you could rely on family or part-time work for support. I absolutely would not trade my memories or experiences, but everyone has their own reason for pursuing higher ed. I'd say to weigh how much you want to dip into the "traditional" experience vs. getting a degree done in a more economical manner, since networking can't be counted on, minors aren't so important in the long-run, and you don't plan to go after a grad-level degree in the near future anyway. To me, it looks like the most significant factor that remains.