I don't think it's fair everyone is telling you to go to UMich.
I think she's made it clear that for personal reasons, she likes NUMS better. I went there for undergrad, and a bunch of my friends are there for med school and they love it. And I know people that love UMich (I'm from MI), too.
But let me play devil's advocate. One is in Ann Arbor (to me = bleh! I partied there in high school) and one is on the Mag Mile on a beautiful lake in one of the coolest cities (and third biggest) in America. There's great food, music, nightlife, architecture, and culture. And NU has a great curriculum, a brand spankin' new hospital, and they don't have those darn Monday quizzes that UMich has. The first year schedule isn't bad at NU, and they have all kinds of post-exam parties at hot clubs/bars/music venues in Chicago and other great events. In Ann Arbor, what are you gonna do - go to Rick's or the Blind Pig for the millionth time? And for the non-MI folks: both UMich and MSU-CHM are more expensive than the typical state school, the budget comes to a bit over $35k/year for both of em (NU tips the scales at $54k/year, I believe).
She really just wants to know about debt load, I think. And someone laid it out: $180,000 debt turns into about $2000/month, if it's over 10 years. And for family practice, that leaves $40-50k take home, which is alright for a few years. Probly have to get a townhouse/condo instead of a house, and settle for the Camry instead of the Benzo, but that's okay, she can still get the chrome rims (probly only fit 18s on a camry), if she doesn't eat out all the time.
I don't know - I turned down my state med school for an expensive private one. It turns out being about $65,000 more (pre-interest) which is probably closer to $100k after interest. And that is about $700-$750/month extra, which sucks. But, I know I'm happier where I'm at, and that's what is important. Like Dr. Cox said, you'll pay it off, and it will a lot less painful if you live modestly. I know I won't be able to, so I guess I'll marry rich.
Good luck,
Go 'Cats
Simul