Short-tang: no worries. IF you really just have to have your Busse then I suggest you take up an offering or start a savings program! No school is going to justify such a lofty expense. Yes, they are very expensive, especially if you are not making a thick paycheck. They are also a top shelf product.
As with most things, the higher quality item usually costs more. Also, the way in which they are marketed contributes to their allure. Human nature is a fickle and confounding thing! Once you create a dominant buying urge coupled with a perceived need, it infects even the most ardent nay-sayers with the fever. Of course, there are countless others that are seemingly content to buy an SAK or the venerable Mora paired up with the ubiquitous Ontario machete. Such frugality might suffer from banality but it has merit if you seek to pinch a penny. You won't perish even though you missed the bus on the Ganza. I'll bet many were in a dizzying, frenetic frenzy trying to get to their computers in time to spend that hard earned greenback!
Once you get the Busse, I'd venture to say that you'll be elated. They are impressive. After a few years of use, the knife will still be ticking. Of course, so will the BK9. You'll have to decide for yourself if the slight increase in performance can justify the inflated cost. If you need a tank, get a FBM.
For me, I'll stay with the Basic 9. Mine has been around the track a million times or more and I like it. As I've said before, that knife just feels right. Is it a better fit for me than the BK9? Probably not when all factors are taken into consideration. Both are great blades that will deliver many seasons of sterling performance. I am not hacking cars asunder or having a date with a CMU block, but I have sufficient faith in each of these tools with respect to hunting/camping chores. Busse does make some of the strongest, toughest knives available at any cost.
To date, I think the best price to performance ratio goes to the 1311. This is a very well thought out short machete that rides with me on a daily basis.
do what many people do and save up for it?
Congrats on your score! 