Duke vs. Einstein

[eggche1234]

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For background: I have about 200k in a 529 plan ready for med school
If money was not a factor AT ALL i would choose duke without fail but free tuition complicates things
If any current students or alumni have anything to weigh in about what they enjoyed/disliked about the schools that would be great. Also if anyone has had success negotiating with Duke on merit aid that would also be very helpful. TIA

Duke
Pros

• one year preclinical + research year. Very interested in research and this would allow me to explore that in depth
• student culture. Duke is a much bigger university and I’d be able to engage with students outside of medicine as well (law, business, etc)
• clinical training. One of the best in the country and I’d like to go into a relatively competitive specialty (one of the ROADS)

Cons

• tuition is 78k and I likely won’t get any aid. COL is also significantly higher
• --

Einstein
Pros

• Cost. Free tuition and subsidized housing for $500/month is insanely hard to pass up
• Community. Einstein seems to have a very tight-knit community and the students seem to be happy

Cons

• Outdated facilities and less name-brand recognition
• I currently live in NY and think it would be nice to venture out

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Did you watch

Thread 'VIDEO (University of Chicago) Negotiating financial aid for medical school'

Feb 28, 2024

Please let me know if the video disappears. Link added to Becoming a Student Doctor.

• Mr.Smile12
• financial aid negotiation
• Replies: 5
• Forum: Financial Aid

• 

 

[rob120]

Current Duke student, feel free to DM! Love it here but it really depends on what your estimated indebtedness would be at the end of the day and what you're interested in! I know people who picked duke over einstein and einstein over duke, so its a really personal decision!

 

[johnr42700]

Obviously, congratulations on the fantastic cycle and options. Culture and locations are different, but you'll have great opportunities at either school (including for your research interests; one requires a research year, the other a scholarly research project for graduation).

I would think the decision is fairly straightforward for Einstein given the immense difference in tuition costs (and it's Einstein). You can try to negotiate aid (merit is hard, but partial awards are possible). In general, I think your future self will thank you for saving the 300k+.