Do you make more money if you go to a better schoo?

[SN1]

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If not then why do people spend the time and money to get into schools like harvard, columbia, etc when you can just take it easy in undergrad and apply to howard, lecom, or arizona.

 

[Seahawk]

Because some people, I think fewer with each passing day, care about more than money.

 

[jeffity]

Sounds like a good plan. You go ahead and keep taking it easy in undergrad and call me when you get into one of those inferior schools like Howard, LECOM, or ASDOH.

 

[SN1]

Sounds like a good plan. You go ahead and keep taking it easy in undergrad and call me when you get into one of those inferior schools like Howard, LECOM, or ASDOH.

Are those schools truly inferior than others?

 

[jeffity]

Are those schools truly inferior than others?

Nope. But you're implying that they take less effort and you can just grace on in. We all have different motivations for what we do. Don't worry about those who want Harvard and Columbia. If you're just thinking there's an easier way that yields the same money, then go with that and I wish you luck.

 

[SN1]

Nope. But you're implying that they take less effort and you can just grace on in. We all have different motivations for what we do. Don't worry about those who want Harvard and Columbia. If you're just thinking there's an easier way that yields the same money, then go with that and I wish you luck.

I am doing the best I can but sometimes I am just curious as to why people spend hundreds of thousands of dollars more to go to a well-known school vs a state school or something cheaper when both will give you the same degree.

 

[AlbinoPolarBear]

Some people feel that going to an ivy school will give them the heads up when applying to competitive specialties. Also, it's for the ego. With the government loaning as much money as you want to go to any dental school, students don't have to worry about the money until they pay it back.

 

[SN1]

Some people feel that going to an ivy school will give them the heads up when applying to competitive specialties. Also, it's for the ego. With the government loaning as much money as you want to go to any dental school, students don't have to worry about the money until they pay it back.

If I plan on just becoming a general dentist, I should just try to go to my state school right? Student loans truly terrify me.

 

[jeffity]

There are countless reasons. I see what you're getting at, but people all think differently and not solely about the financial cost and compensation. You can find those opinions in every thread that discusses school X vs school Y. Examples: not everyone has a cheap state school, prestige is important to some people, some think certain schools offer better opportunity (specializing, research opportunities, curriculum focus, dual degrees, etc.). Cost is important, but there's a huge personal factor involved in selecting schools too.

 

[dentalprodigy]

I have no idea either, naviety(sp? )& unrealistic expectations seems to be the case

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[sacapuntas]

I am doing the best I can but sometimes I am just curious as to why people spend hundreds of thousands of dollars more to go to a well-known school vs a state school or something cheaper when both will give you the same degree.

While it is true Harvard and Columbia cost more than in-state tuition at a state school, they aren't actually more expensive that schools like MW AZ that you mentioned. Look up the costs and you might be surprised.

 

[Bis-GMA111]

you want to save as much money as possible. bottom line.

it's what you make of it, honestly. do well in dental school and do well on the board exams.

 

[AlbinoPolarBear]

If I plan on just becoming a general dentist, I should just try to go to my state school right? Student loans truly terrify me.

yes.

 

[timwatley]

The admissions process can be such a crap shoot. Sometimes people get accepted to an expensive school but get rejected by their state school.

 

[dantemac]

I am going to Penn, but I would not attend if not for a scholarship. No amount of alumni connections, ego, prestige, ivy growing on the Evans building, etc. could convince me to stomach loans $1000 more a month than dentists with the same degrees from other schools.

 

[HeadgearBraces]

People usually go to expensive schools like Harvard because of its name and connections, which is a valid reason for some people, but the real reason is that they probably have little value of money. Mommy and daddy have paid for everything their whole lives including helping pay an expensive college that was easier to get into because they didn't have to work while going to school and were able to enjoy luxuries

 

[PhilK26]

If not then why do people spend the time and money to get into schools like harvard, columbia, etc when you can just take it easy in undergrad and apply to howard, lecom, or arizona.

I'm curious to know how you came up with the info to throw these schools into the mix. Do you know much about lecom since it hasn't even started yet? Stats of the accepted class? I've heard of people that turned down UF, Nova and Tufts to go there. They are prob just accepting anyone, no?

 

[TheToothsayer]

If you're going into health science for money hopefully the system will weed you out.

 

[TheToothsayer]

People usually go to expensive schools like Harvard because of its name and connections, which is a valid reason for some people, but the real reason is that they probably have little value of money. Mommy and daddy have paid for everything their whole lives including helping pay an expensive college that was easier to get into because they didn't have to work while going to school and were able to enjoy luxuries

Bad mentality.

 

[Penny00]

People usually go to expensive schools like Harvard because of its name and connections, which is a valid reason for some people, but the real reason is that they probably have little value of money. Mommy and daddy have paid for everything their whole lives including helping pay an expensive college that was easier to get into because they didn't have to work while going to school and were able to enjoy luxuries

Yeah so wrong. Ivy league undergraduate schools tend to have the best financial aid because of their large endowments. I have several friends who went to Ivy Leagues for free (incl. free housing/food/etc.) because they worked hard, not because "mommy and daddy have paid for everything their whole lives". It's offensive to make light of all the work they put in and just write them off as spoiled.

Of course, this sort of financial aid doesn't really apply to graduate programs, but people may have their own reasons for choosing more expensive graduate schools over cheaper state schools.

 

[SN1]

If you're going into health science for money hopefully the system will weed you out.

I think one of the main reasons why most people want to work in the medical field is the stability of the job as well as the amount of money. People who don't admit these are liars.

Why would you spend all the time and money just to make 30k/year? come on lets get real. You can say all you want about enjoying what you do but would you still want to be a dentist making the above salary?

 

[timwatley]

People usually go to expensive schools like Harvard because of its name and connections, which is a valid reason for some people, but the real reason is that they probably have little value of money. Mommy and daddy have paid for everything their whole lives including helping pay an expensive college that was easier to get into because they didn't have to work while going to school and were able to enjoy luxuries

Yikes.

 

[SupDanLOL]

Some states don't have a public dental school. And some lesser known private dental schools are just as expensive as the Ivy League schools. If those are your only options, why would you pass up the Ivy--assuming you actually liked what it had to offer?

 

[SN1]

Some states don't have a public dental school. And some lesser known private dental schools are just as expensive as the Ivy League schools. If those are your only options, why would you pass up the Ivy--assuming you actually liked what it had to offer?

Yeah I realize now that some of those NOT so known school have high tuition rates as well.

Anyways, I Just looked up NYU's tuition and all I had to say was WOW. 70 k for tuition alone/year. How can people take this much loans for 4 years? Then on top of undergrad loans? SMH

 

[HeadgearBraces]

Yeah so wrong. Ivy league undergraduate schools tend to have the best financial aid because of their large endowments. I have several friends who went to Ivy Leagues for free (incl. free housing/food/etc.) because they worked hard, not because "mommy and daddy have paid for everything their whole lives". It's offensive to make light of all the work they put in and just write them off as spoiled.

Of course, this sort of financial aid doesn't really apply to graduate programs, but people may have their own reasons for choosing more expensive graduate schools over cheaper state schools.

Excuse my last post. I forgot to clarify that I didn't mean every single person who goes to an ivy league school is spoiled and should be clumped together. I highly respect the people that don't come from wealthy backgrounds and work hard to get scholarships and entry into a prestigious college, I am one of these people. I don't think people from unfortunate backgrounds should have everything handed to them either, what I meant is it seems like it would be easier to get into an ivy league school if your parents are wealthy, have connections, paid your expenses. I could be wrong, but if it actually is easier, then is it safe to say that the majority, definitely not everyone, of people that do go to ivy schools have this background?

 

[charlestweed]

You make more money if you go to a cheaper school, not to a better school. The less student loans you have to pay back, the more money you will keep. My niece, who is a junior in high school, tells me that she wants to be a dentist. I advise her to attend a cheap unknown Cal State University near her house, instead of a better known, more expensive UCLA. At this lesser known university, it will be easier for her get high GPA. She will graduate with zero debt (since she will live with her parents). She will have more time to do things that are important for her dental school admission such as studying for the DAT, doing research, shadowing a dentist, and doing volunteer work etc.

 

[SN1]

You make more money if you go to a cheaper school, not to a better school. The less student loans you have to pay back, the more money you will keep. My niece, who is a junior in high school, tells me that she wants to be a dentist. I advise her to attend a cheap unknown Cal State University near her house, instead of a better known, more expensive UCLA. At this lesser known university, it will be easier for her get high GPA. She will graduate with zero debt (since she will live with her parents). She will have more time to do things that are important for her dental school admission such as studying for the DAT, doing research, shadowing a dentist, and doing volunteer work etc.

Great to hear from a dentist. Thank you for your insight.

 

[TheToothsayer]

You make more money if you go to a cheaper school, not to a better school. The less student loans you have to pay back, the more money you will keep. My niece, who is a junior in high school, tells me that she wants to be a dentist. I advise her to attend a cheap unknown Cal State University near her house, instead of a better known, more expensive UCLA. At this lesser known university, it will be easier for her get high GPA. She will graduate with zero debt (since she will live with her parents). She will have more time to do things that are important for her dental school admission such as studying for the DAT, doing research, shadowing a dentist, and doing volunteer work etc.

Worst mentality. Unfortunately, it's most common among health professionals.

You should attend the school you will be happiest at. I see it time and time again. "Go to the cheaper school. You will have less debt. Go to community college. Go live at home. Save money." Fair enough. However, don't forget that you're 18 and you deserve to have fun as well. Live up the college life! Enjoy yourself! Don't funnel beer every weekend, but make the most of your undergrad years. If you rather be happier at a larger more expensive and/or more prestigious university - then so be it! Yes, go to the school that you will be proud of. No, your undergraduate degree won't matter upon graduation, but the experience you will find in college will. If you're looking for a smaller, close knit college experience then go for that - even if it means spending more money.

Many people would agree that if you're not happy you won't do well. At the end of the day, you're going to be a dentist. You're going to be making more than most people. Yes, you will have loans. Yes, you will have to pay much more than someone who stayed home for four years. Who has the better story to tell?

I admire how much students plan ahead these days, but don't forget you're still a college kid. Enjoy your years. Don't stay home with mom and pop if what you have always dreamed about is football stadiums and 300 people lecture halls.

Experience guys. Don't put money in front of your happiness and experience. Anyone who tells you otherwise is a fool. Understand that you WILL be paying more. There is no doubt about it. However, you will have to decide if that's worth getting the college years you always wanted. Some enjoy commuting and staying close to family. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. In fact, it's probably better for you! That's not to say you can't take the other route.

 

[TheToothsayer]

I think one of the main reasons why most people want to work in the medical field is the stability of the job as well as the amount of money. People who don't admit these are liars.

Why would you spend all the time and money just to make 30k/year? come on lets get real. You can say all you want about enjoying what you do but would you still want to be a dentist making the above salary?

You make a good income. No doubt about that. You're right to say that the salary is a big factor. However, you're naive if you think that's the reason why health professionals become health professionals. I suppose you're not aware of the long hours and high divorce and dissatisfaction rate of physicians. Dentists were some of the most likely to commit suicide. Nurses also suffer from a wealth of stress and personal problems.

If you don't genuienlly love science and helping others you will likely not make it. Some do, but most won't. Trust me. Being a dentist isn't all it's cracked up to be either. You will learn this as you're more exposed to the field. You usually don't graduate and suddenly make 200k+ a year. You will start as an associate for some years making less than desirable with terrible working days. Chain clinics are notorious for this. The massive amount of dental school debt, the 600k debt from starting a private practice, the hit or miss business skills(which many dentists lack) all prove to be a little much. While you're accounting major friend is making a decent earning by this time, you're just out of school, you're in a ton of debt, and you still aren't stable.

Don't go into any profession for just money. ESPECIALLY dentistry. As adcom gets a more holistic approach to dental applications we will hopefully see a shift in weeding out more money grubbers who have good numbers. Especially with the reformation of health care that will be underway this June, it will be less lucrative to become a health professional. My friend, if you just want to become a dentist for money, you're in the wrong business.

 

[SN1]

You make a good income. No doubt about that. You're right to say that the salary is a big factor. However, you're naive if you think that's the reason why health professionals become health professionals. I suppose you're not aware of the long hours and high divorce and dissatisfaction rate of physicians. Dentists were some of the most likely to commit suicide. Nurses also suffer from a wealth of stress and personal problems.

If you don't genuienlly love science and helping others you will likely not make it. Some do, but most won't. Trust me. Being a dentist isn't all it's cracked up to be either. You will learn this as you're more exposed to the field. You usually don't graduate and suddenly make 200k+ a year. You will start as an associate for some years making less than desirable with terrible working days. Chain clinics are notorious for this. The massive amount of dental school debt, the 600k debt from starting a private practice, the hit or miss business skills(which many dentists lack) all prove to be a little much. While you're accounting major friend is making a decent earning by this time, you're just out of school, you're in a ton of debt, and you still aren't stable.

Don't go into any profession for just money. ESPECIALLY dentistry. As adcom gets a more holistic approach to dental applications we will hopefully see a shift in weeding out more money grubbers who have good numbers. Especially with the reformation of health care that will be underway this June, it will be less lucrative to become a health professional. My friend, if you just want to become a dentist for money, you're in the wrong business.

I respect your point of view and I truly understand that you are NOT guaranteed to make 150k+/years straight out of dental school. You will most likely be engulfed in hundreds of thousands of dollars of loans. I am also aware of the long hours of work as well as the downs that come with the jobs, but I believe you will encounter that in almost any high-paying job.

I must admit that one the reasons that I want to be a dentist is the stability and the amount of money I will be making. I am not going to lie about that. I just don't like people who say that they want to be dentists and don't care about the money.

And yes you are right, very few of my friends who are pre-medical/pre-dental students actually enjoy science classes. It is sad but that is the truth. In my opinion, people who truly enjoy science are the ones who go on to graduate school to receive a phD and do some type of research.

I do like science but if I could major in communication or psychology and not have to go dental school and end up making the same amount of money dentists make, I would definitely do that instead.

Sorry but that is just my opinion.

 

[sacapuntas]

I do like science but if I could major in communication or psychology and not have to go dental school and end up making the same amount of money dentists make, I would definitely do that instead.

Sorry but that is just my opinion.

You should think long and hard about the profession you are embarking on. It will be 10-15 years down the road before your income is going to be where you are imagining.

We aren't even guaranteed tomorrow, let alone a decade. You should do what you like, and not worry about the $$ side. When we die, we aren't taking our money with us!

 

[dentalprodigy]

I don't think so (answering title)

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[SN1]

You should think long and hard about the profession you are embarking on. It will be 10-15 years down the road before your income is going to be where you are imagining.

We aren't even guaranteed tomorrow, let alone a decade. You should do what you like, and not worry about the $$ side. When we die, we aren't taking our money with us!

I appreciate your insight. Thank you.

 

[dentalWorks]

If not then why do people spend the time and money to get into schools like harvard, columbia, etc when you can just take it easy in undergrad and apply to howard, lecom, or arizona.

I don't attend a "big" dental school so I can't answer from personal experience...

If I have to guess, prestige? Maybe (keyword = MAYBE) better success rate for graduates to specialize ~ or at least thats how the school markets itself.... or maybe some think an ivy school's reputation is better for patient pooling....or it could be some folks enjoy doing research and the big DSs are known for good research grants, so alot of opportunities there..... Good lord it could be any reason.

In the end of the day, a DDS/DMD has a priceless value regardless if you've obtained it from ur local state college or an ivy.

 

[TheToothsayer]

And that is a very valid reason to select a profession. Just know that health care in particular is not about making bucks. You'll actually figure it out on your own. If you start shadowing and you dread meeting your 50-100 hour quota you will realize if dentistry is not for you. Same goes for pharmacy, medicine, and any other type of health profession. If you don't like blood, if you have two left hands, if you don't like looking at teeth all day dentistry will lead you out.

I didn't answer your question. If dentistry paid 30k a year would i still be a dentist? 30k a year? No, I wouldn't have pursued dentistry. If dentistry paid around 70k a year would I have? Yeah I would have. I pursued dentistry because A. I did want that same financial stability B. I liked the patient content and hands on lifestyle dentists have C. The entrepreneur aspect drew me in. Being your own boss is great. Someone here said it well. Don't underestimate the power of hand picking who you surround yourself with at work. D. I loved science and medicine and helping others and I wanted to do something relating to it while still getting the hands on and the business aspect - which dentistry provided. I considered medicine and pharmacy too. You just have to see.

So that's why I choose dentistry. For stability but not for the money. I suggest you shadow and find other reasons for dentistry. If money is your number one? If you make it you shouldn't have, and if you do you would have been happier if you hadn't. Promise.

 

[msctc2013]

I respect your point of view and I truly understand that you are NOT guaranteed to make 150k+/years straight out of dental school. You will most likely be engulfed in hundreds of thousands of dollars of loans. I am also aware of the long hours of work as well as the downs that come with the jobs, but I believe you will encounter that in almost any high-paying job.

I must admit that one the reasons that I want to be a dentist is the stability and the amount of money I will be making. I am not going to lie about that. I just don't like people who say that they want to be dentists and don't care about the money.

And yes you are right, very few of my friends who are pre-medical/pre-dental students actually enjoy science classes. It is sad but that is the truth. In my opinion, people who truly enjoy science are the ones who go on to graduate school to receive a phD and do some type of research.

I do like science but if I could major in communication or psychology and not have to go dental school and end up making the same amount of money dentists make, I would definitely do that instead.

Sorry but that is just my opinion.

I wish more people would admit to this. I think most people who claim they are "doing dentistry because they love it" are lying to themselves. How many people would go to dental school if dentists were making 40K/year?

 

[charlestweed]

It’s easy for many young college kids say to others “do what you love” or “money is not important” because they haven’t experienced the pain of paying back the student loans, the pain of paying taxes, the struggle to stay employed, the difficult task of raising young kids while working 8hrs/day etc.

I went to a no name university and I lived with my parents for the entire 4 years. I am glad I made that I made such decision. I hope my own kids will do the same when they reach 18.

When she first came to America, my wife attended a community college to learn English. She later transferred to a 4-year University. She is now a successful periodontist. Many of her friends, who have been in this country a lot longer than her and who speak English better than her, are still struggling to make ends meet. Because of my and my wife’s good and stable income, we are able to provide our kids many great opportunities that our parents couldn’t provide us when we were young.

Listen to your parents. They are always right.

 

[TheToothsayer]

It’s easy for many young college kids say to others “do what you love” or “money is not important” because they haven’t experienced the pain of paying back the student loans, the pain of paying taxes, the struggle to stay employed, the difficult task of raising young kids while working 8hrs/day etc.

I went to a no name university and I lived with my parents for the entire 4 years. I am glad I made that I made such decision. I hope my own kids will do the same when they reach 18.

When she first came to America, my wife attended a community college to learn English. She later transferred to a 4-year University. She is now a successful periodontist. Many of her friends, who have been in this country a lot longer than her and who speak English better than her, are still struggling to make ends meet. Because of my and my wife’s good and stable income, we are able to provide our kids many great opportunities that our parents couldn’t provide us when we were young.

Listen to your parents. They are always right.

Careful with your mindset. For the reasons I outlined a student's choice should not be 100% utilitarian. If you have two comparable schools, let's say two big flagship universities and you pick the more expensive one - then you have a problem.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with choosing a university expierence. You will not get the same exposure living at home with mommy and daddy. Communal bathrooms, dorm life, the balance you find in life is essential for development. Back in the day many people stayed home and commuted. "Don't worry about money" is wrong. "Worry only about money" is just as wrong.

 

[Bereno]

"Don't worry about money" is wrong. "Worry only about money" is just as wrong.

Like most things in life, "everything in moderation" 👍

OP: No, you will not make more money going to a more expensive school. However, the issue is not so simple; its multifaceted. Sometimes, someone is only able to get into an expensive school like USC. Sometimes someone really wants to specialize, and they are shooting for a school like UPenn, or Harvard. Or sometimes that someone is an international dentist that wants to emigrate to the USA, so they want to attend a school like NYU. Everyone has different reasons for attending their school. 🙂

 

[iralex801]

Like most things in life, "everything in moderation" 👍

👍👍. Couldn't agree more.

 

[TheClutch]

Depends on where you are in terms of your life journey, your priority changes. In college,you wanna have most fun. As a young professional, you wanna achieve success. As a head of your household, you wanna provide best opportunities for your dependents.

Like @Bereno (always brings up great points) said, everything in moderation. Live a balanced life where you have some fun now and sacrifice some for future fun.

Don't be the guy who lived it up in 20's and struggled to support himself in 50's or the guy who worked so hard throughout his entire life and realize that he missed out opportunities.

We are too smart for that! ohhh yeahh

 

[iralex801]

Depends on where you are in terms of your life journey, your priority changes. In college,you wanna have most fun. As a young professional, you wanna achieve success. As a head of your household, you wanna provide best opportunities for your dependents.

Like @Bereno (always brings up great points) said, everything in moderation. Live a balanced life where you have some fun now and sacrifice some for future fun.

Don't be the guy who lived it up in 20's and struggled to support himself in 50's or the guy who worked so hard throughout his entire life and realize that he missed out opportunities.

We are too smart for that! ohhh yeahh

👍👍. Agree with you completely too. There's absolutely no reason why you can't do well in school and make time for yourself during the weekend. It just takes proper time management and work ethic. Procrasination/internet/facebook/SDN/etc definitely takes up a good portion of people's time.

Oh, there also periods of time where you sacrifice everything to study (ex: DAT, finals week) and periods of time where you slack off completely(ex: last semester of senior yr in college)

 

[dentalprodigy]

Im gonna follow ur advice & get of SDM Now & finish studying lol

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[hockeykspiky]

I respect your point of view and I truly understand that you are NOT guaranteed to make 150k+/years straight out of dental school. You will most likely be engulfed in hundreds of thousands of dollars of loans. I am also aware of the long hours of work as well as the downs that come with the jobs, but I believe you will encounter that in almost any high-paying job.

I must admit that one the reasons that I want to be a dentist is the stability and the amount of money I will be making. I am not going to lie about that. I just don't like people who say that they want to be dentists and don't care about the money.

And yes you are right, very few of my friends who are pre-medical/pre-dental students actually enjoy science classes. It is sad but that is the truth. In my opinion, people who truly enjoy science are the ones who go on to graduate school to receive a phD and do some type of research.

I do like science but if I could major in communication or psychology and not have to go dental school and end up making the same amount of money dentists make, I would definitely do that instead.

Sorry but that is just my opinion.

I'm an honest person. I'm in for the money, too.

 

[hockeykspiky]

I wish more people would admit to this. I think most people who claim they are "doing dentistry because they love it" are lying to themselves. How many people would go to dental school if dentists were making 40K/year?

Very true. I hope the system will weed out hypocrites before money grubbers.

 

[UltimateHombre]

Worst mentality. Unfortunately, it's most common among health professionals.

Experience guys. Don't put money in front of your happiness and experience. Anyone who tells you otherwise is a fool.

Careful with your mindset.

Toothsayer, i don't blame you for wanting to have been happy and enjoy your college years, but to put that as number one above everything else is pretty "foolish" in my opinion.

I just think many of the these young predents don't think about debt and the huge stress it can be in their lives... Have they ever even had debt? Have they felt the stress to make bills every month? Have they ever had to worry that if you are unemployed or underemployed you will default on your loans? Have they ever had to feel responsible for anyone else financially?

I can tell you that i have and it has been a very tough "experience". I don't have many large bills, but i do pay for 2 cars, rent, insurance, tuition (me and my wife), cell phone, electric/gas, and the other misc things. Being a full time student and working full time, these bills have been very burdensome and stressful... and i know they are very miniscule when compared to how much i will be paying for dschool.

I personally don't understand the logic of happiness/fun/experience trumps debt. Trust me a ton of debt is not fun and will not bring future happiness and the reality is that 350K of debt is a really ****ty experience. Also, i don't know how much happiness/experience is worth? An extra 50K, 100K, 200K? To me it would be none of those, because i create my own happiness.

You can have both you know... whether at Cal State or a UC... you can meet new people, go out, party hard, do intramural sports, and have a "college experience". We are in charge of defining our own realities... why pay more for it?

EDITED: Didn't realized Toothsayer was practicing dentist.... therefore i respect their opinion more and didn't want to come across offensive.

 

[jaychristian457]

Going to better school teaches us right values, discipline etc.One can gain overall exposer to life and ideas.This will make him smarter than the rest by increasing his creativity.Definitely then he will make more money in the long run.

 

[SN1]

When you make statements like "worst mentality ever", then follow it up by counseling a practicing dentist of 20 years on his views... to be honest i find it laughable.

Toothsayer, i don't blame you for wanting to be happy and enjoy your college years, but to put that as number one above everything else is pretty "foolish" in my opinion.

Have you ever even had debt? Have you felt the stress to make bills every month? Have you ever had to worry that if you are unemployed or underemployed you will default on your loans? Have you ever had to feel responsible for anyone else financially?

I can tell you that i have and it has been a very tough "experience". I don't have many large bills, but i do pay for 2 cars, rent, insurance, tuition (me and my wife), cell phone, electric/gas, and the other misc things. Being a full time student and working full time, these bills have been very burdensome and stressful... and i know they are very miniscule when compared to how much i will be paying for dschool.

Unless you have lived through and felt the burden of 350K of debt, you are simply not qualified to give an accurate opinion saying happiness > debt. The reason it is a common logic in "the healthcare field", is because they have done both!! Many decided to pay for the extra "experience" and are now living and paying for it with mounds of debt and stress. The seasoned professionals know that debt sucks and they want to help others avoid it. Do you think the current dentists come on this board and tell us to choose the most fiscally responsible decision, because they want us to be miserable? NO!! They want us to be happier down the road.

I personally don't understand the logic of happiness/fun/experience trumps debt. Trust me a ton of debt is not fun and will not bring future happiness and the reality is that 350K of debt is a really ****ty experience.

Things like these terrify me. Seeing my friends who take tens of thousands of dollars of loans just to live on campus is crazy I think. Some people don't care and will do whatever they want to be happy. But you should think about the consequences as well.

I am a college junior who just transferred from a CC to a university and so far has been missing all "college experience" Even at the university, I still lived off campus to save money. When I graduate, I know I am gonna be the one missing that college experience but at least I will be graduating with ZERO debt. Don't get me wrong, I really want to live on campus and enjoy that "experience" but it's just not worth it in my opinion to take extra tens of thousands of dollars just to do that.


I am just gonna try to get into the best and the cheapest school. LOL

 

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Very true. I hope the system will weed out hypocrites before money grubbers.

Some even say "oh I just like to help people" LMAO.

 

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It’s easy for many young college kids say to others “do what you love” or “money is not important” because they haven’t experienced the pain of paying back the student loans, the pain of paying taxes, the struggle to stay employed, the difficult task of raising young kids while working 8hrs/day etc.

I went to a no name university and I lived with my parents for the entire 4 years. I am glad I made that I made such decision. I hope my own kids will do the same when they reach 18.

When she first came to America, my wife attended a community college to learn English. She later transferred to a 4-year University. She is now a successful periodontist. Many of her friends, who have been in this country a lot longer than her and who speak English better than her, are still struggling to make ends meet. Because of my and my wife’s good and stable income, we are able to provide our kids many great opportunities that our parents couldn’t provide us when we were young.

Listen to your parents. They are always right.

I hope to be exactly like your wife. But I am content just being a general dentist