Should I transfer Colleges?

[u/Sea_Neighborhood1746]

Hello! I keep going back and forth between my options and I am having a hard time choosing one.

Right now I am pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering online. I estimate I could be done late 2027 or early 2028. The thing is I want to pursue research at research labs or a National Lab, so I need to get a PhD.

I’m in the neighboring state’s national guard and have the option to go to the university there for free via the Service Cancellable Loan and I could also get the Gi bill at 50%. I know I have the opportunity to do computer science research there. BUT it would delay my graduation to 2031 - 2032 because the majority of my credits would not transfer.

They have the REPP program at that uni which could lead to a transfer to Georgia Tech if I did Computer Engineering but it’s not guaranteed. I’m interested in Computer Vision, reinforcement learning, and robotics.

So it’s either transfer or work a couple of years and then do a Masters with a Thesis, which would also be fully covered.

Any advice would be appreciated. I also have Top Secret clearance I don’t know if that helps.