Drexel vs. FIU

[mistybay]

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Hey all! I've been incredibly fortunate to have received these two acceptances but I'm still having a hard time deciding between the two. Currently, I'm leaning more towards Drexel but would appreciate any input!!

Drexel:

Pros:

• Great match list
• Slightly higher ranking
• More established program compared to FIU
• Absolutely love the idea of moving somewhere I've never lived before - I'm coming from an urban environment and Philly is such a cool and historic city
• P/F preclinical
• Curriculum seems really interesting
• Large class = more people to meet/network with!
• Really loved the vibe of the school during my interview day, everyone seemed incredibly nice and supportive
• Close to NYC, where I have some family
• New medical campus coming in 2023

Cons:

• $$$ tuition
• No affiliated hospital
• Lottery system for rotations
• Don't know anyone in Philly
• Queen Lane campus is old/very suburban

FIU:

Pros:

• In state tuition, would be cheaper than Drexel
• Newer building
• P/F preclinical
• Great weather in Miami
• Really diverse school/student body which is a major plus for me

Cons:

• It's in Florida (I really dislike Florida despite being a FL native)
• Would need to have a car as Miami doesn't have any reliable public transportation
• Reddit post/drama kind of left a sour taste in my mouth
• No family nearby (parents live 4 hours away by car)
• No affiliated hospital
• Seemed a bit unorganized during my interview

In summary: for me, cost shouldn't be too much of an issue because I know I will be in debt regardless, but I'd rather be in debt and be happy than be in debt and be miserable. Any help would be appreciated!! Thank you 🙂

 

[chzsux]

What's the actual cost breakdown?

 

[mistybay]

What's the actual cost breakdown?

FIU's tuition for in-state students is 30k and Drexel's tuition is 60k

 

[chzsux]

Honestly it kinda depends on your priorities. FIU sounds like a toxic environment for sure but there are definitely still ways to succeed as a student there. Drexel is a long-established school back on the upswing after some challenges so they have that going for them and IMO the reputation there is a lot more established. Is that worth over $120k? For some people, yes. For others, no.

 

[JohnJacobJingleheimer]

I think 120k is too much to justify choosing Drexel. If you’re the type of student that has never really had any issues in school and has always kept their head down, I believe you will be able to avoid being a subject of said FIU drama. Likewise, if you are a good, hardworking student, you should be able to prove yourself and match equally well at either school.

For 80k, I might bite the bullet and go to the safer option in Drexel. However, 120k plus interest is going to yield a near 200k difference. Your future attending self is likely going to be kicking yourself for that. As I’ve said elsewhere on here, while the FIU issues are serious ones that meed to be addressed by the admin there, it is not news that should take away from your excitement about your FIU acceptance, nor does it diminish how great of an accomplishment it is. This is not the first time a med school has been put on blast publicly and it won’t be the last. In fact, they just might be on their best behavior for the incoming class after tha walk of shame they’ve been dragged along on. FIU will still provide you the education and resources you need to get to the finishline, and no one is going to bat an eye about the fact that your degree says FIU. It will blow over.

Congrats and good luck!!

 

[mistybay]

I think 120k is too much to justify choosing Drexel. If you’re the type of student that has never really had any issues in school and has always kept their head down, I believe you will be able to avoid being a subject of said FIU drama. Likewise, if you are a good, hardworking student, you should be able to prove yourself and match equally well at either school.

For 80k, I might bite the bullet and go to the safer option in Drexel. However, 120k plus interest is going to yield a near 200k difference. Your future attending self is likely going to be kicking yourself for that. As I’ve said elsewhere on here, while the FIU issues are serious ones that meed to be addressed by the admin there, it is not news that should take away from your excitement about your FIU acceptance, nor does it diminish how great of an accomplishment it is. This is not the first time a med school has been put on blast publicly and it won’t be the last. In fact, they just might be on their best behavior for the incoming class after tha walk of shame they’ve been dragged along on. FIU will still provide you the education and resources you need to get to the finishline, and no one is going to bat an eye about the fact that your degree says FIU. It will blow over.

Congrats and good luck!!

thank you!! i know FIU is a great school but i also hate Florida and rather not spend anymore time there if I have to haha but I'll have to really take some time to decide which school to attend

 

[thatonegrrl]

Even with the price difference I'd be super wary of FIU because of their reputation for being super toxic. Any chance you could write Drexel and let them know they are your top choice, but you are having a hard time selecting them over a more affordable in-state school? You could see if they would be able to provide a scholarship that would bring their tuition down to the same as FIU tuition, and then the decision is easy - Drexel all the way.

 

[mistybay]

Even with the price difference I'd be super wary of FIU because of their reputation for being super toxic. Any chance you could write Drexel and let them know they are your top choice, but you are having a hard time selecting them over a more affordable in-state school? You could see if they would be able to provide a scholarship that would bring their tuition down to the same as FIU tuition, and then the decision is easy - Drexel all the way.

That's a good idea!! I'll try and reach out to Drexel! thank you so much 🙂

 

[Shunsui]

FIU

Haven't read up on the FIU drama but an extra 30k per year at say 6% interest would be around an additional $140,000 debt after 4 years on top of the $200,000+ already racked up and accruing interest from Drexel's cost. I'm not trying to downplay whatever is going on at FIU but I find it difficult to believe it would be worth passing up $140,000 and Miami weather to go to Drexel.

It does sound like your heart is with Drexel though. Assuming finances were equal or not significantly different, I'd say Drexel in a heartbeat but that difference in cost is just too much to justify in my opinion. Your future self will thank you as you'll be able to pay off debt faster and start living financially independent earlier

 

[mistybay]

I would do FIU. The money is significantly different plus it is so nice to be somewhere with enjoyable weather!

i actually prefer the cold! haha

 

[taguylla2]

Hi! I hope everything’s going well for you in med school 🙂 I’m in the next cycle currently and I’m facing a similar dilemma. Can I pm you?