FSU FYA Program; Is it worth it and what would I potentially miss out on?
Hey, I'm an incoming freshman admitted OOS to FSU for the Fall semester. As is, FSU has a much more reasonable OOS tuition, roughly 8-10k more per year than my in-state school here in Maryland. If I had to, I could make it work somewhat comfortably, I'd work a job for most personal expenses, and tuition+board would be covered by the parents, so nothing crazy. But with the FYA program, I'd be able to reduce the tuition to around 6.5k a year, I think it is.
The thing is, I don't need in-state tuition to attend, as is I am perfectly in decent financial standing to attend and go through FSU in four years. But by doing so, I'd save close to 50k while also having a great experience in Europe for my first year, and that type of money would make my parents' lives more than mine a whole lot easier. Basically, I don't have to do this out of pure need; I can afford to attend FSU OOS, but by doing so it would greatly help my parents and my brother, who is attending college in two years.
My only worry with the program is missing out on freshman year entirely. Friends, social life, networking (I'm a finance major, so for some of the exclusive clubs sophomore year-ish), potentially rushing a frat, and all the details of freshmen year that make it unique. I would still have friends in Europe and make some lasting relationships there, but if anyone could give me input and advice, and if anyone has done this, please let me know how it went.