Congrats on getting your degree!!! May I recommend you get a machine at a quilt show.. many times at a quilt show they let you try out different machines etc.. and then they offer them at a discounted price after the show is over..not sure when the next quilt show is going on near you ..but it does save alot to check this out..by the way almost all the sewing machine folks are at the quilt shows... with all the feet you might need such as the quarter inch foot, walking foot etc...
Have fun shopping make a list of what you like and want in a machine.. and enjoy!!
Hugs
Quiltinmama