Drexel vs UIC-Chicago

[coolknight99]

Hey guys. I'm from Philly and having a hard time deciding between these two med schools. I've been accepted to both, and I'm truly in love with UIC, but at the same time their OOS is HUGE at about 120k. On the other hand, my family is from the Philly area and Drexel albeit a much lower ranked school is still expensive but has a lower tuition around 80k. Basically, what do you guys think, is there a reason to justify 40k between these two schools. Can i use the argument that UIC is ranked somewhere in the 40's to justify the higher price tag.

Drexel: (80k tuition)
-Pros:
* I went to their SMP and did well
* Family from the Philly area
* I know the area and some of the teachers
-Cons:
* One of the lowest ranked programs
* Rotations can lead you to move to Reading or locations 1 hour+
* Not many competitive residency matches


UIC: (120K OOS tuition)
-Pros:
* Located in chicago, and I've loved their program
* Highly regarded school
*Strong residency match list, with many specialties like ortho and surgery at top places
-Cons:
*Price Tag
*Getting a scholarship is not guaranteed, but is possible. I've spoken with other students and admissions officers, hearing back in April or early May based on my situation.

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[Shunsui]

120k... oof i'd go Drexel unless UIC matched pricing with scholarship

 

[Banco]

120k?! Wow schools really have no shame. Just take Drexel...

 

[rep_the_don]

Drexel. That 40k per year difference will add up quickly factoring in interest over time.

 

[Putkernerinthehall]

I'd go Drexel unless you get like $30-40k per year from UIC.

 

[catnip12]

I think you really only have 1 option here. Paying 120k per year is insane especially if you can avoid it.

 

[coolknight99]

I think you really only have 1 option here. Paying 120k per year is insane especially if you can avoid it.

Yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, thanks for clarifying that what i was thinking was insane 😂

 

[catnip12]

Yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, thanks for clarifying that what i was thinking was insane 😂

It really is a lot of money. If you work hard at Drexel, you can match at a good program somewhere without the extra 160k in debt you’d be paying for the same degree from UIC (total of ~500k before interest payments) looming over your head.

 

[m1redsox]

I would send UIC an email telling them you have a cheaper option by ~$40k per year and see if they can match Drexel’s tuition. If they can, choose UIC, but my bet is that they won’t come close to that, and you should probably head to Drexel. I also think you may be undermining Drexel’s solid match history. Drexel is a solid mid-tier school, and I have never seen UIC ranked better than #50 (and 60s in pd rankings) making it also a mid-tier school. Once you get lower than T20-30, or even T50, prestige makes very little difference. Don’t pay $200k for some perceived prestige bump that will likely not pay off.

 

[coolknight99]

I would send UIC an email telling them you have a cheaper option by ~$40k per year and see if they can match Drexel’s tuition. If they can, choose UIC, but my bet is that they won’t come close to that, and you should probably head to Drexel. I also think you may be undermining Drexel’s solid match history. Drexel is a solid mid-tier school, and I have never seen UIC ranked better than #50 (and 60s in pd rankings) making it also a mid-tier school. Once you get lower than T20-30, or even T50, prestige makes very little difference. Don’t pay $200k for some perceived prestige bump that will likely not pay off.

Yeah, that's what my internal debate has been as well. Its just the whole Drexel rotation situation that scares me. What are the pitfalls of rotating at small community hospitals vs the scene in Chicago where you are seeing a lot more complex cases with top doctors in their field. I think you're right though, its the hard work that makes a difference not the school, but not having a home rotation program or hospital is a bit worrisome. I'll prob end up Drexel 😂

 

[BullBearMan]

UICOM gives a notable amount of In-State tuition scholarships for OOS students. IS tuition isn't that cheap at UIC, but will bring COA in line with Drexel. Snag one of those and go to UIC. Otherwise, yeah, I'd also recommend Drexel.

 

[jbc333]

I would send UIC an email telling them you have a cheaper option by ~$40k per year and see if they can match Drexel’s tuition. If they can, choose UIC, but my bet is that they won’t come close to that, and you should probably head to Drexel. I also think you may be undermining Drexel’s solid match history. Drexel is a solid mid-tier school, and I have never seen UIC ranked better than #50 (and 60s in pd rankings) making it also a mid-tier school. Once you get lower than T20-30, or even T50, prestige makes very little difference. Don’t pay $200k for some perceived prestige bump that will likely not pay off.

I didn't realize you could do this haha do people email admissions often about tuition costs? Is it effective?