Since I was nine I have always known that I was going to go to college. Until I got a computer my freshman year in high school, I wanted to be an astronomer. Since then I have wanted to be a software engineer (in which specific field I am still unsure). I do know that I want to continue to contribute to the open source community throughout my career, be it through my spare time or within my career itself.
However, I also want to be able to get a high-paying job to allow me to obtain all the amenities that I seek to have in my life.
I'm in the beginning of my senior year in high school and soon will have to make a decision on the school I wish to attend. Money is going to play a huge role in this decision. I am able to live at my parents house while attending a local university. Though I would not be able to experience "dorm life", I would be able to cut room and board from the costs of college. My other option is to go to a more prestigious college (still in-state for tution fees). However, this would cost me more in tution as well as the added fee for room & board.
My question is, how heavily do employers weight were you received your degree? Once I get an internship and show my wide skill set and unique capabilities, will this be more substantially motivating to employ me than where I received my degree from?
The university I live near is Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. This is located in a large city, so I think it will make it easier to find an internship.
Since I'm only able (willing to take out enough loans) to pay in-state tution, I'm limited to universities in Virginia.
Another option I have is to go to my local community college. They offer a program to where I go there for two years, for a fraction of the cost of anywhere else, then I can transfer to any college in Virginia as a junior to complete my bachelors degree. Since I've actually taken a few night classes there, this would be about a semester sooner. All the classes I have taken will transfer to any college in Virginia.
What are your opinions on the matter?
Thank you for your time and effort,
cs_student
