I'm also baffled as to why my son wants a career in law enforcement and specifically the FBI or ATF. Not sure where he's getting it from given his father's absolute distrust of anything related to the U.S. Government.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
For a complete education that he can take to any graduate program - send him to Hillsdale. My son is attending as a freshman this year and loves it. Very demanding though.
Thomas Aquinas College.
Government job? No! No! No!
I believe that University of Alabama will give him an automatic full tuition scholarship for his stats. You’d still be on the hook for room and board. Whatever you decide, keep in mind that your son does have a tuition free option.
College Countdown is really good.
This guy has really good, down to earth advice for parents on choosing a school, figuring out apples-to-apples comparisons and getting the most out of the aid game, etc.
I highly recommend it. Check to see if your school has arranged free subscriptions to his site; ours did.
Ask how far into the degree program he actually gets out in the field. That’s the only way for him to really know if it is the right degree for him. Plus he needs all the experience he can get, not just stuff from lectures and books. Have your son call the FBI/CIA office nearest you and ask his questions about what they look for in a candidate’s educational background. He may have to push a bit to get connected to the right person. Lastly, I live in the Milwaukee area. Marquette is as safe as it can be for being in a major city. The students are known for being the brightest and most motivated around!
We’re in middle of same for oldest daughter. He’s smart to stay in state- were seeing tuitions near double for out of state. My daughter wants to live at home if at all possible as residency nearly same as tuition cost. Mines going medical route so can’t help on law enforcement side - sounds by drive positioning like your north of Springfield. Have him look at Illinois institute of technology. Not sure they still have rep they did many moons ago, but they had some solid tech and ROTC programs some years back and I think they are close to where you are.
I can’t speak to the law enforcement issue. Because your son has a good grade point average, and you didn’t mention finances, I am just going to let you know about Truman State University in Missouri.
It is known for top notch intelligent students - rather exclusive admittance policies. They are determined to have that reputation, and they will put together a financial package for top notch students, so that they will get their education and not be saddled with debt. Nor will their parents.
A national merit scholar I know just graduated from there this summer. She had a full ride. That included all her college fees, books, and living expenses.
Not sure what all the degree choices are. It’s located in a rather small town, so you also don’t get the worry that you would at some of the colleges in larger cities.
Just mention it in case you need the financial help.
I know several people who went to Western Illinois who liked it.
Any college that touts diversity above all else is a liberal cesspool. It will be easy to tell studying the literature.
It's in Huntsville, TX, about 90 miles north of Houston...small town.
Only bad thing about it...Dan Rather went there.
Get him to apply for NROTC or ROTC. It cuts the number he can got to, but all are really good.
The way she decided to go NROTC was we had a traditional dinner night out. I used to sing the McDonald's song and when she asked why I told her (my daughter) that I was not sure what college we could afford and NROTC was a great option.... and they would pay most of it..
About the end of her senior year she asked me to accompany her to a nice college to talk to the counselor and NROTC officer.
She ended up going to school courtesy of the Navy... became an officer on a amphibious ship. Then the electronic warfare officer on a DDG (Persian gulf, Indian ocean) then the warfare officer officer on another DDG stationed in Japan...
She ended up getting a Masters Degree on top of the several bachelors degrees she got from Pitt (NROTC at Carnegie Mellon). So it all worked out and maybe maybe the Mcy-D’s song at Thursday dinner did it ...????
Good Luck!
I your son joins the United States Marine Corps and goes into the “MP” MOS then he can sign up of the Post 9/11 GI Bill and get most if not all of his collage bills paid for and get a sizable stipend as well.
A couple comments:
1. I also recommend looking at financial aid packages for various schools before deciding they are too expensive. Yes, you still have to pay the enrollment fee, but it may be worthwhile if you find a school that is a “perfect fit” in spite of the high sticker price.
2. I graduated from Michigan State with a MS in 1999 and a Ph.D in 2002. I wouldn’t say it is particularly conservative. It isn’t as liberal as, say, Ann Arbor, but not especially conservative, either. Having said that, it is a good school, and is great in a few key areas.
3. Based on your comments I’m guessing you live in Illinois. I know Texas is along way to go, but I have to put in my recommendation for LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas. Great education, very conservative culture, and they are very accommodating with their financial aid. My son applied there , Texas A&M, and UTSA, and received the best aid package from LeTourneau. I checked and they do offer a Criminal Justice degree.
MD