A very common question that you’re going to run across when you’re ready to sign up for school is, “Should I stay or should I go away for college?”  While each student out there is different, I wanted to give you the pros and cons of going away to college, as well as staying.  Hopefully by the time you read this over, it’s going to give you a better idea on what you want to do .

Pros of Going Away to College

• Freedom: You can now get away from family and live on your own.
• Fresh start: You can get to start a whole new life with friends and the area.
• Live an adult life: Get a jump start learning your own responsibilities.
• Have your major: Your local colleges may not offer what you want.
• Explore: If you’re the type that loves new things, this is for you.

Cons of Going Away to College

• Cost: Staying in a dorm, as well as food, and more can add up!
• New friends: You’re going to have to start all over with friends.
• New area: Like the friends, you’re going to have to learn the location.
• Far from family:  You may start to miss family.

Pros of Staying Locally

• Familiar: You’re going to know the area, making yourself comfortable.
• Friends: You will most likely know a lot of people going to your school.
• Closer: You will be closer to family and friends.
• Save money: Staying locally is going to save you a ton of money.

Cons of Staying Locally

• No change: If you like change, this won’t be much of a change.
• Feels like High School: If you meet the same friends, it will feel like High School all over again.
• No programs: Local colleges may not offer the programs that you want.
• Stuck at home: If you feel like you want to get away, this isn’t the option to choose.

As you can see, there are a lot of choices that you make.  Like anything in life, everything is going to have it’s pros and cons.  It’s up to you to decide as individual on what you want.  You don’t want other people to make the decision for you, but rather, you’re going to want to do it yourself.