BU vs in-state mid tier school (60k less expensive)

[Bulbasaur]

I'm finalizing my decision now and although I've spoken with a lot of people, it doesn't hurt to get more opinions. Basically, my options right now are BU, where I will graduate with 200k in debt, or my in-state school (ranked below BU but still mid-tier), where I will graduate with 140k in debt. I will not disclose my in-state school for anonymity purposes. Boston is without a doubt a better city than my in-state school's location but 60k is also not something to sneeze at. However, I feel like I will be giving up a lot of opportunities if I choose my in-state school instead of BU. Also, I'm a sucker for prestige and in terms of prestige, BU gets >12k applications for a little over 100 spots while my in-state school gets barely half that many applications for twice the available spots.

Any words of advice would be appreciated! Thank you!

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[prettyNURSEtoMD]

I had this same question. Although I haven't applied yet and aren't in the similar position, I did ask a physician what he thought about fit and opportunities that accumulates sigifnificantly more debt, vs staying in state and saving money, and he said "it's not worth it. save your money, go there for residency". I don't know I agree with that. But I'm more of a "gut feeling" type of person. I feel like you'll always be indebted to somebody regardless if it's a financial institution or a person, etc. That's just me. Do what you feel is best. That's my opinion.

 

[bambam92]

I am obsessed with Boston, (hope to go there for med school) so I may be biased, but I would go BU if I were you. Yes, 60k is a lot of money, but you have to consider your happiness, which school, and location attracted you more. Being in the middle of no where at a state U for four years to save 60 k isn't something I would pick over being able to be in an amazing city like Boston, and attend BU. I am set on going to an urban environment for med school if I can swing it, so thats just me. But it seems like you have similar feelings! The difference breaks down to 15k a year, which isn't too drastic. I say go where you will be happiest.

 

[mmmcdowe]

Moving to ssd

 

[Patros]

This is a hard comparison to make without knowing the other school. I'm going to guess it's not UCLA or UNC or something, since you say BU has more prestige. Now although BU is famous, I hesitate to say that it has a significant amount of prestige. It gets 12k applications because it is a mid-tier private school. So it is considered to be a safety school for the best applicants and a reach for the weaker ones, thus drawing a lot of apps, similar to GWU or NYMC. So anyway, I wouldn't consider "prestige" to be a factor here.

That being said, I think if you clearly prefer BU, then it's the better choice. At least in my opinion, 140k vs 200k is not such a huge savings that I would sacrifice the extra opportunities and the chance to go to school in a lively place like Boston.

 

[WingedOx]

You will never regret graduating with less debt. BU is a fine school, but I really doubt that it truly has more opportunities than your state institution.

 

[Oso]

Agree with @Underu . In no way should the >12k apps to BU be a determining factor in your decision. That's kind of silly. I don't think most people view BU as that prestigious, so I also do not think that should weigh heavily on your decision. The things that matter are cost and fit. Can you see yourself fitting in more at BU than at your state school? Are there extracurricular opportunities that you would actually take advantage of (extra research opps means nothing if you're not into research)?If so, which ones, and does your state school really not have them? I know you like the city of Boston more, which is another aspect of fit. Which patient population would you rather work with-- BMC is the safety net hospital and would probably provide a much different experience than your state school.

If you truly think that BU is a better fit (not based on 'prestige'), and that you would be happier and more productive there, then I personally think it's worth an extra 60k.

 

[GoPelicans]

As far as prestige is concerned, BU was ranked in the 40's for USNews just a few years ago. Their meteoric rise is due primarily to grants for their brand new infectious disease research building. I would expect their rank will probably drop back to at least the mid-late 30's after a few years.

 

[Bulbasaur]

Thanks for all the input so far. I guess the main attraction of BU, for me, is that it's in a brand new city and arguably the best city to be a student in (over 70 universities and 200k students). I really don't like the city my in state school is in and I've lived here all my life so I can't wait for a change. In terms of opportunities, I think I can probably get the same opportunities at my in state school and at BU. However, it really is the location that is drawing me to BU


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[prim]

Boston is a prime location and they have plenty of research opportunities there. If you want to be in academia, it would be your best bet to go to Boston over a state school most likely. Boston is a beautiful city.

Also.. 60K does not seem a huge difference when you will be making over 140K a year.

 

[MedWonk]

I'm finalizing my decision now and although I've spoken with a lot of people, it doesn't hurt to get more opinions. Basically, my options right now are BU, where I will graduate with 200k in debt, or my in-state school (ranked below BU but still mid-tier), where I will graduate with 140k in debt. I will not disclose my in-state school for anonymity purposes. Boston is without a doubt a better city than my in-state school's location but 60k is also not something to sneeze at. However, I feel like I will be giving up a lot of opportunities if I choose my in-state school instead of BU. Also, I'm a sucker for prestige and in terms of prestige, BU gets >12k applications for a little over 100 spots while my in-state school gets barely half that many applications for twice the available spots.

Any words of advice would be appreciated! Thank you!

Hard to say without having an idea of what the instate school is. If it were UMass, I'd say go to UMass. If it's some other state school and you're just dying to be in Boston, then go to BU. I will say that it doesn't sound there's any significant difference between the two schools in terms of percieved prestige, so that shouldn't be the reason that drives you to BU. What will drive you there is if you really, really want to be in Boston. As an aside, would be willing to do your residency elsewhere in New England? Bear in mind that residencies in Boston tend to be very competitive, and you're competing with students from a whole bunch of really good schools in the area.

 

[WingedOx]

Boston is a prime location and they have plenty of research opportunities there. If you want to be in academia, it would be your best bet to go to Boston over a state school most likely. Boston is a beautiful city.

Also.. 60K does not seem a huge difference when you will be making over 140K a year.

That 60k will look more like 100k+ after interest once residency is done.

 

[waiting too long]

If BU is where you want to go, go there. Pure and simple. 60 K is what a BMW costs, and not even a top of the line one. This is 4 years of your life. You'll always be wondering what woulda happened if you don't go BU.m