Got Accepted into Boise's Online MBA Program.. Feeling Guilty.

#1
Hairy Vols

Hairy Vols

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#1
So very recently I got accepted into Boise State’s online MBA program. And maybe my feelings are a little weird but this felt like the best place to discuss this. My dream has always been to go to UT and I am confident I would get accepted if I applied (based on my GPA and conversations I've had with admissions). The problem is the cost. UT is about twenty thousand more and that is a big difference for me right now. For that reason Boise State makes more sense but I still feel guilty stepping away from UT.


The thing is I grew up with the Vols. My family moved around the country a lot when I was younger and Tennessee football was always something that made me feel close to home no matter where we were. Watching the games and keeping up with the team gave me a sense of belonging and pride even when everything else felt temporary. Because of that I always thought I would go back and represent UT when it was time for grad school.


That’s why it feels strange to look at another program even though it is the right call financially. I have even caught myself feeling guilty when I watch Boise games. But with me being active duty Army and having a family of four I have to keep cost at the front of my decision making.


Has anyone else gone through something similar where your dream school was in reach but the practical choice was a different one (that wasn't UT)?
 
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#5
#5
I had a similar upbringing and lived all over the county/world growing up. I was always the random kid wearing orange to school wherever we lived. I did my undergrad at UT and loved it. I’m glad I got to attend. I later went back to school for a Masters and went somewhere else for that, as UT didn’t offer that program. It was a good school and I enjoyed my time there. I don’t have anything but a passing interest in that schools athletic program.

It sounds like you’re a true VFL. Attending a different school because it’s a better financial option for you seems like a no brainer and in no way should diminish your fandom or anyone’s opinion of you as a fan. We’ve got a great fanbase full of alums and non-alums. IMO it doesn’t matter if you went to school or not. I’m going to yell Go Vols if I see you in an orange shirt, even if it’s in Boise.
 
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#6
#6
ATC_VOL said:
I had a similar upbringing and lived all over the county/world growing up. I was always the random kid wearing orange to school wherever we lived. I did my undergrad at UT and loved it. I’m glad I got to attend. I later went back to school for a Masters and went somewhere else for that, as UT didn’t offer that program. It was a good school and I enjoyed my time there. I don’t have anything but a passing interest in that schools athletic program.

It sounds like you’re a true VFL. Attending a different school because it’s a better financial option for you seems like a no brainer and in no way should diminish your fandom or anyone’s opinion of you as a fan. We’ve got a great fanbase full of alums and non-alums. IMO it doesn’t matter if you went to school or not. I’m going to yell Go Vols if I see you in an orange shirt, even if it’s in Boise.
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Thank you. I know it’s a very trivial worry. And I’m honestly not even sure why it’s bothering me lol. That made me feel more secure about it and I really appreciate the effort and long post! If you don’t mind me asking, what was the program?
 
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#8
#8
Hairy Vols said:
Thank you. I know it’s a very trivial worry. And I’m honestly not even sure why it’s bothering me lol. That made me feel more secure about it and I really appreciate the effort and long post! If you don’t mind me asking, what was the program?
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You’re welcome! I went through something similar when I was 17. I almost went to Austin Peay and actually went as far as to take all of my UT stuff off of my car before I changed my mind and headed to Knoxville.

My masters was in Aviation Administration. I got a certificate to get hired for air traffic control as well when I went there, which was the real reason for going.
 
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#9
#9
I ended up at LSU for my MBA.

I did get accepted to UT, but I didn't want to wait until January. I wanted to start ASAP.

Also, I'd look at The Citadel over Boise State. Especially with cost
 
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#11
#11
Gandalf said:
I’m making calculations for my son and if he goes to GA tech he could go nearly free vs being in debt in Knoxville. Its a hard choice.
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Similar boat. After Pell Grant I’d literally be at zero out of pocket. I know that isn’t gonna be easy on him. Is he a big Vols fan?
 
#12
#12
YankeeVol said:
I ended up at LSU for my MBA.

I did get accepted to UT, but I didn't want to wait until January. I wanted to start ASAP.

Also, I'd look at The Citadel over Boise State. Especially with cost
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I’ll check it out! My plan is to start in the Spring. So I have time to apply other places. Boise waived their app fee so it’s the only one I’ve applied to so far based on that.
 
#13
#13
ATC_VOL said:
You’re welcome! I went through something similar when I was 17. I almost went to Austin Peay and actually went as far as to take all of my UT stuff off of my car before I changed my mind and headed to Knoxville.

My masters was in Aviation Administration. I got a certificate to get hired for air traffic control as well when I went there, which was the real reason for going.
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My grandpa was as Air Traffic Controller in Knox for decades before retiring! Is that the kind of work you’re doing now? How do you enjoy it?
 
#14
#14
Hairy Vols said:
I’ll check it out! My plan is to start in the Spring. So I have time to apply other places. Boise waived their app fee so it’s the only one I’ve applied to so far based on that.
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UT actually doesn't waive theirs, even for veterans.

Nearly every other school (actually every other school I looked into) did.

LSU waived it.
The Citadel waived it (was also accepted there).
UGA
GT
Emory
UNC
 
#15
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YankeeVol said:
UT actually doesn't waive theirs, even for veterans.

Nearly every other school (actually every other school I looked into) did.
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That’s something I was noticing too. For what it was worth the person who answered the phone at UTs admissions office was about as unfriendly as she could be.

I’m going to start looking into higher rated programs but cost is very important as I’ve stated. LSU is one I’ve seen a lot of ads for.

Did the MBA end up being worth it for you?
 
#16
#16
Hairy Vols said:
That’s something I was noticing too. For what it was worth the person who answered the phone at UTs admissions office was about as unfriendly as she could be.

I’m going to start looking into higher rated programs but cost is very important as I’ve stated. LSU is one I’ve seen a lot of ads for.

Did the MBA end up being worth it for you?
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Don't know yet, I'm currently in my 7th and 8th class this semester. I will say that I have enjoyed the program so far.

Cost didn't matter (GI Bill), but start time did. I finally finished my undergrad last August at Austin Peay. I was able to start in October at LSU. UT was in January (and I'm not going to get into the fact I was lied to, but that's another story).
 
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#17
#17
Hairy Vols said:
My grandpa was as Air Traffic Controller in Knox for decades before retiring! Is that the kind of work you’re doing now? How do you enjoy it?
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That’s awesome. Yes it is, I work at a radar facility, so a little different style of work compared to a tower, but same job title. It’s usually a lot of fun.
 
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#19
#19
YankeeVol said:
Don't know yet, I'm currently in my 7th and 8th class this semester. I will say that I have enjoyed the program so far.

Cost didn't matter (GI Bill), but start time did. I finally finished my undergrad last August at Austin Peay. I was able to start in October at LSU. UT was in January (and I'm not going to get into the fact I was lied to, but that's another story).
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Thank you for sharing. I'm excited for the classes. I think they will be a lot of fun. I want to use my GI bill but I expect to be in for a few more years. Once I hit 10 I can transfer it to my kids. And that sucks to hear that about UT's admissions. I don't want to dunk on the program/school I love but I had a few red flags as well.
 
#22
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Hairy Vols said:
Has anyone else gone through something similar where your dream school was in reach but the practical choice was a different one (that wasn't UT)?
Click to expand...

It sounds like you are making the right call, going with the prudent financial option.

When I was considering choices for my intended undergrad major, cost was definitely a consideration for me. I graduated from a HS in Georgia and qualified for the HOPE scholarship (before they expanded the program) so I could go tuition-free to any state school to which I was accepted. Like you, I couldn't justify going into debt to attend my preferred school out of state (UT)...I graduated debt-free. Nearly a quarter of a century later, I am still comfortable with my decision.
 
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#24
#24
Hairy Vols said:
Thank you for sharing. I'm excited for the classes. I think they will be a lot of fun. I want to use my GI bill but I expect to be in for a few more years. Once I hit 10 I can transfer it to my kids. And that sucks to hear that about UT's admissions. I don't want to dunk on the program/school I love but I had a few red flags as well.
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I transferred mine, but ended up taking 10 months back to finish my undergrad (and it got me halfway done with my MBA).

Because I’m old, and the recent-ish Rudisill decision, I get to use my Montgomery GI Bill to finish the MBA without taking anymore post 9/11 from the kids.
 
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#25
#25
YankeeVol said:
I transferred mine, but ended up taking 10 months back to finish my undergrad (and it got me halfway done with my MBA).

Because I’m old, and the recent-ish Rudisill decision, I get to use my Montgomery GI Bill to finish the MBA without taking anymore post 9/11 from the kids.
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I wasn't aware I could take some back. I'm gonna have to make a list with all this info you gave me lol. Thank you! Do you mind if I DM you sometime?
 
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