Really like this school, but the COA is so damn high! Those who will be paying it all by loans, how do you feel about it? It’s making me super anxious just thinking about being in 400k+ in debt. Praying for some grants or scholarships...
I hear you.
First thing is that if you got into a cheaper school, you could always ask the financial aid office at Tulane if they can match the offer. So while the sticker price is 400k+ for now, that number could change. You don't know how much financial aid you will get yet!
The debt load is manageable. How you manage is ultimately a personal decision, but you can always moonlight during residency, do locum tenens, accept a more rural job with loan forgiveness in your contract, etc.
A physician's income is mostly limited by taxes and how many hours you are willing to work. Oh, and burnout.
For me, personally, I am justifying that medicine is a lifelong journey, and I want to avoid burnout. Part of avoiding burnout is having a life outside of medicine, and I think New Orleans offers a lot that appeals to my personal interests. You can't put a price on happiness and mental well-being.
I am interested in pediatrics, which is not exactly known for being a money-maker (although there are fellowships!), and I'm not very worried about the debt. So n=1, but that's how I'm thinking about things.
Edit: Also interested in the Debakey Scholars Program. Mentorship and networking is so important in research.