Help!! How to choose between schools

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ilovephysicaltherapy

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So I need a little advice! I was accepted to a instate school and since it was my only option in Feb I accepted.. But I just got accepted to my dream school this week and I'm absolutely torn between the two.

The state school is cheaper (75k compared to 130k) but I didn't get the greatest vibe when I went. They don't have research labs and it doesn't have state in the art facilties or any additional opportunities besides the clinicals and the classes. While the more expensive one is my dream school but has state in the art facilities, research labs and facilities, and a 6 month paid Co-op.

What's the most important thing to think about when choosing between the two? Like is cost the definitive factor? Will I regret picking the more expensive school in the long run because of all the extra debt?

THANK YOU SO MUCH IN ADVANCE

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So I need a little advice! I was accepted to a instate school and since it was my only option in Feb I accepted.. But I just got accepted to my dream school this week and I'm absolutely torn between the two.

The state school is cheaper (75k compared to 130k) but I didn't get the greatest vibe when I went. They don't have research labs and it doesn't have state in the art facilties or any additional opportunities besides the clinicals and the classes. While the more expensive one is my dream school but has state in the art facilities, research labs and facilities, and a 6 month paid Co-op.

What's the most important thing to think about when choosing between the two? Like is cost the definitive factor? Will I regret picking the more expensive school in the long run because of all the extra debt?

THANK YOU SO MUCH IN ADVANCE
cost is not everything, but it is a big %. Honestly you have to be happy with your choice, if you went to the cheaper school and were not happy then its going to affect how you perceive everything. There are plenty of ways to work off debt, you just have to dig down deep and ask yourself is it worth the sacrifice. You are lucky because you have the option, most people do not. So this is a good problem to have.
 
Go to the state school. Unless you expect to be making 55k+ during that 6 month co-op (lol), I would consider giving up your dream school.

The reality is that PT school is three years. 1/3 of the time you probably WON'T even be on campus. State-of-the-art facilities and sparkly research laboratories are great if you plan on doing something like a STEM Ph.D and spending a lot of time there. For a DPT? You probably won't get to spend any appreciable amount of time in these areas at a school you're paying 55k more to attend.

You will thank yourself later when you graduate with less debt, more peace of mind, and an equivalent degree. Hell take 10k, go on an international trip of YOUR DREAMS, and you'd still be ahead by attending the state school. Money isn't everything and it definitely isn't the only factor but it gives you options. Do not narrow your future options in order to justify paying off 130k vs. 75k of loans. You have been offered an opportunity that many others here looking to become physical therapists do not get.

tl;dr Go to the state school. Save 55k.
 
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Go to the state school. Unless you expect to be making 55k+ during that 6 month co-op (lol), I would consider giving up your dream school.

The reality is that PT school is three years. 1/3 of the time you probably WON'T even be on campus. State-of-the-art facilities and sparkly research laboratories are great if you plan on doing something like a STEM Ph.D and spending a lot of time there. For a DPT? You probably won't get to spend any appreciable amount of time in these areas at a school you're paying 55k more to attend.

You will thank yourself later when you graduate with less debt, more peace of mind, and an equivalent degree. Hell take 10k, go on an international trip of YOUR DREAMS, and you'd still be ahead by attending the state school. Money isn't everything and it definitely isn't the only factor but it gives you options. Do not narrow your future options in order to justify paying off 130k vs. 75k of loans. You have been offered an opportunity that many others here looking to become physical therapists do not get.

tl;dr Go to the state school. Save 55k.
Agreed. One of the pts i work with told me it doesn't matter where your degree is from if you have a degree and do well at what you do then you're going to have a job. I say save your money instead of putting yourself in a hole.
 
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Go to which ever school feels right for you. If you have a lot of loans from undergrad, your dream school that costs 130k is definitely not the place to go. However, tons of people come out of PT school with 100k+ in loans and they make it work. You can also apply for scholarships and potentially receive grants, which may help offset some of the costs. Of course, going to a school that costs less in the first place would also be great. Weigh the pros and cons of each program, look at the percentage of students that pass the licensure exam on the first attempt, and choose the program that you feel offers the most educational benefits. In my opinion, the most important factor is going to the school where you feel you will be the most successful.
 
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Go to the instate school! You will end up regretting not going there in the long run. I WISH I could have applied to my instate school but I didn't have the pre reqs for it. Instate is the smarter option. You will make it work.
 
Go to the instate school! You will end up regretting not going there in the long run. I WISH I could have applied to my instate school but I didn't have the pre reqs for it. Instate is the smarter option. You will make it work.

Go to the state school is the advice I see over and over on here. I made the decision to do that myself and turned down a very prestigious name that many people told me I shouldnt turn down. But honestly, when all is said and done, if school is being paid for on loans it would be very difficult to take the option that would give you another $60,000 in loans, even if you thought you would like going there.
 
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Thank you all for your advice!! I really really appreciate it! I already have 21k in loans from undergrad and will be paying my way thru PT school as well with no help really from my parents so that will be 150k in loans. But yes I need to look at the pros and cons of both and see which one will make me the best physical therapist that I can be.
 
Hello! I would love some advice too, although it will probably be similar. My choices are instate vs. out of state, but tuition difference is slightly smaller than above (80k vs 54k). The schools are UNF in Florida (instate) and Mercer (private). I really liked both schools locations, facilities, small class size, and faculty. I think Mercer has a slightly higher pass rate, more fellows as faculty members, and the curriculum is a bit more appealing personally. Each school has a close knit cohort which I love. The cost is definitely a factor but should it be the determinant? I appreciate any advice or specifics on either school! I was accepted off the waitlist at Mercer so I don't have much time for a decision!
 
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Hello! I would love some advice too, although it will probably be similar. My choices are instate vs. out of state, but tuition difference is slightly smaller than above (80k vs 54k). The schools are UNF in Florida (instate) and Mercer (private). I really liked both schools locations, facilities, small class size, and faculty. I think Mercer has a slightly higher pass rate, more fellows as faculty members, and the curriculum is a bit more appealing personally. Each school has a close knit cohort which I love. The cost is definitely a factor but should it be the determinant? I appreciate any advice or specifics on either school! I was accepted off the waitlist at Mercer so I don't have much time for a decision!
Do you have loans from undergrad?
 
No, fortunately I do not, but will definitely need some for grad school.
In my opinion, cost is not as big of a factor in your case. Coming out of school with under 100k in loans is a win in my book, but there is still a pretty significance difference between 80k and 54k. You also have to factor in cost of living, books, etc. You definitely need to pick the program that feels right for you, but in the end you also have to be comfortable with the amount of money you'll have to pay back. If you're comfortable with 80K, go for it. It definitely seems manageable to me.
 
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Having already graduated and become a PT, I can tell you that no one is going to care which school you went to in the real world unless you want to become a career researcher. If you want to practice PT, rather than research, cost should be a determining factor. While this may sound harsh, I think people think about, "Which school will I be happiest in?" way too much. Don't go somewhere where you'll be downright depressed, but have some perspective. We are talking about three years of your life now effecting how happy you are for the next 10-20 years as you repay your loans. You're going to be way happier in the long run with a smaller loan payment, especially when we're talking about shaving 30-70K off your balance. That's an extra $400-$700 every month. With that you can save a down payment to buy a house. You can paint a baby's room. You can pay for a wedding. You can go on a dream vacation to Europe. There is SO MUCH MORE beyond PT school that you have to consider when you make this decision. Don't be tunnel-visioned on a fancy school. If they'll teach you what you need to know to pass the licensing exam, that's what counts the most.
 
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Hello! I would love some advice too, although it will probably be similar. My choices are instate vs. out of state, but tuition difference is slightly smaller than above (80k vs 54k). The schools are UNF in Florida (instate) and Mercer (private). I really liked both schools locations, facilities, small class size, and faculty. I think Mercer has a slightly higher pass rate, more fellows as faculty members, and the curriculum is a bit more appealing personally. Each school has a close knit cohort which I love. The cost is definitely a factor but should it be the determinant? I appreciate any advice or specifics on either school! I was accepted off the waitlist at Mercer so I don't have much time for a decision!


I am also in state in Florida. UNF is one of the most affordable in state programs and the COL there isn't too bad. I would think the COL for Atlanta and Mercer would be higher. One thought would be to try to do the least expensive program, but perhaps choose a site that might cost more for a clinical. For example, if you really want to go to Emory but it is too costly, go to your instate school, but do a clinical in Atlanta. Just a thought. I know I chose a Florida option too(not UNF), and the COL is very affordable. I may try to get one clinical somewhere really cool, but where it would have been too expensive for me to go to school. For me, in the long run, I decided it is the right thing to do. But it was hard turning down one of the programs I did.
 
Go to the state school. Unless you expect to be making 55k+ during that 6 month co-op (lol), I would consider giving up your dream school.

The reality is that PT school is three years. 1/3 of the time you probably WON'T even be on campus. State-of-the-art facilities and sparkly research laboratories are great if you plan on doing something like a STEM Ph.D and spending a lot of time there. For a DPT? You probably won't get to spend any appreciable amount of time in these areas at a school you're paying 55k more to attend.

You will thank yourself later when you graduate with less debt, more peace of mind, and an equivalent degree. Hell take 10k, go on an international trip of YOUR DREAMS, and you'd still be ahead by attending the state school. Money isn't everything and it definitely isn't the only factor but it gives you options. Do not narrow your future options in order to justify paying off 130k vs. 75k of loans. You have been offered an opportunity that many others here looking to become physical therapists do not get.

tl;dr Go to the state school. Save 55k.
this man gets it. After reading all the idiots trying to justify going to USC and being in debt for a decade minimum, acting like they'd be making 300k a year, this is refreshing
 
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this man gets it. After reading all the idiots trying to justify going to USC and being in debt for a decade minimum, acting like they'd be making 300k a year, this is refreshing
how much is USC tuition?
 
Thank you everyone for the great advice! It seems to be a consensus to go with the cheaper option. However, cost aside, I do have babysitting connections, a boyfriend, family, and a potential apartment in Atlanta as well as a few friends in the Mercer program. I'm not sure if the support system would be helpful or a distraction. The program is also 1 semester shorter so I will be out in the workforce slightlyy sooner. Of course none of those factors significantly lower the cost!
 
Look at the pass rates for the board exam. That should be something you consider....
 
Look at the pass rates for the board exam. That should be something you consider....

I have. Mercer a little higher but both good. They both meet my criteria in many ways for the decision to be so difficult.
 
then talk to grad students of each program and get their advice....

it's helpful to get insight from current grad students or alumnis of those programs (IMO)
 
Thank you everyone for the great advice! It seems to be a consensus to go with the cheaper option. However, cost aside, I do have babysitting connections, a boyfriend, family, and a potential apartment in Atlanta as well as a few friends in the Mercer program. I'm not sure if the support system would be helpful or a distraction. The program is also 1 semester shorter so I will be out in the workforce slightlyy sooner. Of course none of those factors significantly lower the cost!

@ballyson
If you have an option for living with family or friends in Atlanta, that could perhaps even out the money situation. I don't know about the size of the cohort for Mercer, but I do know UNF has a very small cohort. Is that a positive or a negative for you? I am assuming UNF is the only in state option you are considering right now? I would look at all the money issues, work it out on a spreadsheet, make comparisons fully. Then I would also look at all the other program and curriculum issues, cadaver lab, clinical options etc and compare them as well. Does the overall campus make any difference? I know it did in my choices. Only you can know exactly what to do, but once you have gotten the bottom line difference with everything factored in, take that extra amount, and divide by 120. That will give you an idea how much extra monthly for ten years and that wouldn't even include interest. An additional $24000 borrowed is an additional $200 each month for ten years plus interest. It is a hard choice and I'm sure whichever you choose will work out well for you.
 
@ballyson
If you have an option for living with family or friends in Atlanta, that could perhaps even out the money situation. I don't know about the size of the cohort for Mercer, but I do know UNF has a very small cohort. Is that a positive or a negative for you? I am assuming UNF is the only in state option you are considering right now? I would look at all the money issues, work it out on a spreadsheet, make comparisons fully. Then I would also look at all the other program and curriculum issues, cadaver lab, clinical options etc and compare them as well. Does the overall campus make any difference? I know it did in my choices. Only you can know exactly what to do, but once you have gotten the bottom line difference with everything factored in, take that extra amount, and divide by 120. That will give you an idea how much extra monthly for ten years and that wouldn't even include interest. An additional $24000 borrowed is an additional $200 each month for ten years plus interest. It is a hard choice and I'm sure whichever you choose will work out well for you.


They are both about the same size which I love. At this point, yes. I had narrowed it down to UNF and then was accepted off the wait list from Mercer! So I have no time to make a very important decision. Cadaver lab and curriculum are both similar. They have both checked all of my boxes to make it to this point so to speak! Mercer does have a clinic on campus which is a differentiating factor and I would assume more resources in the area. Money is definitely a big difference, but possibly doable. I guess I can't really go wrong either way.
 
So I need a little advice! I was accepted to a instate school and since it was my only option in Feb I accepted.. But I just got accepted to my dream school this week and I'm absolutely torn between the two.

The state school is cheaper (75k compared to 130k) but I didn't get the greatest vibe when I went. They don't have research labs and it doesn't have state in the art facilties or any additional opportunities besides the clinicals and the classes. While the more expensive one is my dream school but has state in the art facilities, research labs and facilities, and a 6 month paid Co-op.

What's the most important thing to think about when choosing between the two? Like is cost the definitive factor? Will I regret picking the more expensive school in the long run because of all the extra debt?

THANK YOU SO MUCH IN ADVANCE

For what its worth, we ran a survey asking recent grads if highly ranked DPT programs matter. Most of the time a higher priced school is associated to "rankings" and/or they are a private school. Almost 50% said it doesn't matter. We also have helped over 1000s PTs with their student loans. I would say a super majority would tell you to choose the lower priced school. What you do outside, i.e. network etc...will mean more. If you want to see the survey we did (the one I referenced above) I'll include the link below:

http://fitpt.fitbux.com/interviews/recent-graduates/us-news-dpt-school-rankings/
 
Best advice is to go to the school and location where you'll be happiest for the next 4 years
 
Hello! I would love some advice too, although it will probably be similar. My choices are instate vs. out of state, but tuition difference is slightly smaller than above (80k vs 54k). The schools are UNF in Florida (instate) and Mercer (private). I really liked both schools locations, facilities, small class size, and faculty. I think Mercer has a slightly higher pass rate, more fellows as faculty members, and the curriculum is a bit more appealing personally. Each school has a close knit cohort which I love. The cost is definitely a factor but should it be the determinant? I appreciate any advice or specifics on either school! I was accepted off the waitlist at Mercer so I don't have much time for a decision!

One thing you also need to be aware of is the cost of living. What is the difference between the two locations. That is something that Pre-DPT often forget about only look at tuition and other school costs. However, many will end up taking out loans to cover other expenses as well....So in short after interest accrual and living expenses that 80k will be well over 100k.
 
So I need a little advice! I was accepted to a instate school and since it was my only option in Feb I accepted.. But I just got accepted to my dream school this week and I'm absolutely torn between the two.

The state school is cheaper (75k compared to 130k) but I didn't get the greatest vibe when I went. They don't have research labs and it doesn't have state in the art facilties or any additional opportunities besides the clinicals and the classes. While the more expensive one is my dream school but has state in the art facilities, research labs and facilities, and a 6 month paid Co-op.

What's the most important thing to think about when choosing between the two? Like is cost the definitive factor? Will I regret picking the more expensive school in the long run because of all the extra debt?

THANK YOU SO MUCH IN ADVANCE

One more thing to think about...130k I'm assuming is the tuition costs. That doesn't include accrual of interest on your loans. Your easily looking at 150k or more if you borrow for living costs as well.
 
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