Hometown college? Where should i go?

Question

My whole family thinks i should go to the campus here, it is IUP (Indiana Univeristy of Pennsylvania). I want to become a history teacher and they have a pretty good teacher program here. But I really want to get away from my hometown since ive been here since i was born. I want to move down south, somwhere in North or South Carolina and teach there. So do you think IUP would be best for me since its right here in town..or going to a North Carolina college like UNCG? I hear job oppurtinity is higher for graduates from PA colleges since they have higher teacher standards or something...but if i go to college at UNCG or somewhere down south i could possibly get a job quicker and settle down faster since i already want to be there

Answer 1

I myself live in NC so I might be able to help you. From what I have gathered, North Carolina State University(Raleigh), University of North Carolina(Chapel Hill), East Carolina University(Greenville) and University of North Carolina at Wilmington(Beach!) have great schools of education. I have not, however, heard of UNCG being one of the better schools for education. UNCG's specialty is music. One benefit of going to school in North Carolina is the large amount of growth we are experiencing, Because of the large growth, the school systems in NC are becoming much larger meaning you will have more job options. Also, living expenses are low in NC; so, you will be able to do more with your salary. Since you want to be a history major, that is even more beneficial. NC is very short on history teachers. Overall, NC is a very warm, friendly place to live.

Hope I helped! Let me know if you have any more questions.

Answer 2

That is a tough decision. If you went to IUP would you have to live at home? I considered living away from home (my college was 2hrs away) one of the most important things about going to college because it allowed me to grow as a person- cheesy I know. But that is definitely something to consider.

If going to school in PA will be better for your career because it has stronger teching requirements, then it is probably better to get your degree there-- you can always move later. Besides, are you sure you want to live specifically in SC or NC?

I'd say, apply to a few schools, including local and farther away. Apply to a few PA schools, not just the one. Then you have things to choose from- especially if you decide you aren't just interested in teaching.

Answer 3

You should do what is right for you and not for your family. College is a good way to experience life without your family and learn how to be on your own, after all you need to be independent eventually. Just do what is right for you.

Answer 4

First things first: Will your parents pay for an out-of-state school? If not, consider that teachers don't make tons of money and you don't want to be saddled with tons of debt. Just comparing UNCG vs., say, Kutztown, you'd be spending more than $11,000 extra PER YEAR. Is it worth it just to be a few states down?  

You can stay in Pennsylvania and still go "away" to college. You live in a state with 3 large universities and 14 state colleges. You can be hours away from where you live and still be in PA.