Two months into my third year at SUNY Oneonta and I do not regret a minute of it. As I'm starting to look at graduate school, it brings me back to my senior year college application process. I had such a stigma because of my peers and adults that for some reason, going to a private institution as opposed to a state school was "better" or "more prestigious."

Keeping that in mind, I applied to 15 private universities and 3 SUNY schools. I did the SUNYs as a back-up because I was very indecisive. When it came to touring schools I noticed a pattern. Most of the private universities I visited were all run down, out of style, in awkward areas. Now, not all private universities are like this, many are taken care of and modernized. But many are not, and their tuition is ridiculous, even with scholarships. Education programs are poorly rated/ not accredited. If the campus is not being constantly renovated/modernized and/ or new programs are not being added then where is the money at these private universities going???

When I visited some of SUNY schools (Albany, Buffalo, Oneonta, New Paltz) the campuses were, for the most part, modernized, taken care of and somewhat worth the money you're paying. Yes, you're attending a state school but who cares? Education is the same, at the end of the day we have the same diploma. Most likely, the SUNY student will be in less debt ( not always). This is also the same for those who choose a community college. There is nothing wrong with that, especially if you are unsure of what to study.

There are exceptions for this, such as academic scholarships, sports scholarships and such. For myself, and others who are just average students who got good grades, but nothing special in school and did not play a sport in college, I had to take many factors into consideration when choosing. When I visited SUNY Oneonta, I loved it and was my second home from the start. I was expecting it to be rundown and old but it was the opposite.

This is not to say all private universities are like this because I know many people who go to them and love it! They are flourishing! Also, not all SUNY schools are perfect either. Some of them aren't as nice as the others physically, but education as a whole is equal to one of a private university. A degree is a degree!

So, any seniors applying to college-do not keep SUNY schools out of the running because of stigma and preconceived notions. Do what you feel is best for you!