Expectations to live like the last or possibly even the current generations of physicians might not be realistic for the pre meds starting college now.
20 years ago, tuition at elite private colleges and medical schools was 12-15k/yr, 40 years ago it was ~$4k/yr. Debt was not a real concern. Relative incomes were also higher. Now the public blames "rich and greedy" MDs as a significant part of the problem with healthcare in the US which continues to spiral out of control. A gov't takeover is certainly possible, not now, but maybe when you guys are a few years out of residency and ready to become a partner in your fancy PP job. There may not be a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Y'all need to consider that when you're making your decisions.
If you're taking out $100k for undergrad you're a fool, go to your state school. The same is true for taking full loans at the most expensive schools out there. Or maybe you're counting on a decade or 2 of high inflation to help with your debt burden?
As an aside, I was proud to see that while my medical school is extremely expensive now, it's average debt is one of the lowest.
