Is it worth it?

[yuppers]

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So I got into my top choice, Nova, which I'm completely sold on for a multitude of reasons. But another school (which was more of a last option for me) just offered me a seat with a scholarship that would save me $60,000 on tuition compared to Nova.

What do you guys think?

I know that is a lot of money, and I feel that it would be fiscally irresponsible to not at least think about this.

I guess I'm in the "go to the school where you will be happier" vs "go to the cheaper school" predicament.

EDIT: the scholarship would save me 50k not 60k on tuition

 

[dentyne Ice]

Personally, I would go along the cheaper route. You will be glad when you're out of school and having to pay back the loans with an interest rate. I firmly believe if you can minimize debt during school, this will open up more options upon graduation.

 

[dentalmagnet]

60000 is a lot of money. I would consider that route

 

[Oracle DMD]

60K over 4 years? what's the cost of living difference? if its only 60k over 4 years go to where you'll be happiest. if it were a 100k i would feel different about it but 60k isnt worth not going to your #1. is it fiscally responsible? no. but you'll be fine.

 

[license2kill]

Only you know the answer to that. But here is what I would consider if I was you.

I would probably go to the cheaper school and treat myself to something less than or equal to 60K. "Would I rather go to school A or school B with a BMW?"
Sometimes this type of flawed reasoning helps!

But then again, if I could go to my dream schools (weather related, not really about dental curriculum) by paying 60K more, I would definitely do it without question.

It all depends on how much value you put in Nova. For some it is worth it, for others it isn't.

 

[Shake N Bake]

do u mind sharing what the second school is...and maybe where ur from to get a better idea of what ur working with here?

Personally I totally see how u are stuck if u had ur heart set on Nova - But I dont know WHY anyone would have their heart set on Nova...

"I'm from MIAMI Trick!" (~like the song says...) & dont even really wanna go there...I'd rather move away from the beaches I've known my whole life to go to what I think is a better school...But thats just me. Don't think I'm attacking ur decision.

 

[JMart22]

Personally, I would go to the cheaper school because if I went to Nova, I would be paying back loans for THAT much more each month and doing/spending a little less while I started as a practicing dentist. I'd rather suffer a little more during dental school if it means I'll live it up a little more in the years after dental school, even if the difference is small.

 

[yuppers]

Alright, I just reran the numbers and the difference in tuition would be $50,000 (not 60k).... that probably wouldn't make a difference in the responses I got so far anyway though.

60K over 4 years? what's the cost of living difference? if its only 60k over 4 years go to where you'll be happiest. if it were a 100k i would feel different about it but 60k isnt worth not going to your #1. is it fiscally responsible? no. but you'll be fine.

The other school is in Iowa so I know that cost of living will be cheaper there than in Ft. Lauderdale.

do u mind sharing what the second school is...and maybe where ur from to get a better idea of what ur working with here?

Personally I totally see how u are stuck if u had ur heart set on Nova - But I dont know WHY anyone would have their heart set on Nova...

"I'm from MIAMI Trick!" (~like the song says...) & dont even really wanna go there...I'd rather move away from the beaches I've known my whole life to go to what I think is a better school...But thats just me. Don't think I'm attacking ur decision.

The other school is U of Iowa.
And as far as reasons go, my reasons are not as superficial as beaches.

 

[sketo43]

If the projected difference is $50k to 60k, I say go to whichever school/location you like more. There are no guarantees on tuition, and it's impossible to know how much each school will raise tuition over the next 4 years. I really liked Iowa's dental school when I interviewed there, but Iowa, like most states, is currently facing budget problems. Last fall the governor announced a 10% across-the-board budget cut. No dental school will tell us what next year's tuition will be, let alone the next 4 years. For me, if the price difference was over 100k, then I would go to the less expensive school, but at $50k, I would go wherever you like more.

 

[doc toofache]

If the projected difference is $50k to 60k, I say go to whichever school/location you like more. There are no guarantees on tuition, and it's impossible to know how much each school will raise tuition over the next 4 years. I really liked Iowa's dental school when I interviewed there, but Iowa, like most states, is currently facing budget problems. Last fall the governor announced a 10% across-the-board budget cut. No dental school will tell us what next year's tuition will be, let alone the next 4 years. For me, if the price difference was over 100k, then I would go to the less expensive school, but at $50k, I would go wherever you like more.

👍

 

[DentalGrad]

Something else to consider: The scholarship is probably only guaranteed for the 1st year, and then if you maintain a certain GPA. Usually those who get these scholarships are able to maintain the GPA, but what if someone didn't meet that level? Then they'd only save $12,500 (in this example) and be at a school they only went to because they thought they were saving $50,000. That would hurt.

 

[dogluvr83]

Something else to consider: The scholarship is probably only guaranteed for the 1st year, and then if you maintain a certain GPA. Usually those who get these scholarships are able to maintain the GPA, but what if someone didn't meet that level? Then they'd only save $12,500 (in this example) and be at a school they only went to because they thought they were saving $50,000. That would hurt.

Very very tru! U might even decide to practice in Florida which as I see it is better that Iowa - but I've never been there so what do I know. Novae tuition has stayed pretty consistent, increasing about $2k a year. I think the biggest thing to consider is cost of living difference. But I too would have a hard time making that choice if a school other than my "top choice" offered me a scholarship of any kind. Good Luck with ur decision!!!😉

 

[yuppers]

If the projected difference is $50k to 60k, I say go to whichever school/location you like more. There are no guarantees on tuition, and it's impossible to know how much each school will raise tuition over the next 4 years. I really liked Iowa's dental school when I interviewed there, but Iowa, like most states, is currently facing budget problems. Last fall the governor announced a 10% across-the-board budget cut. No dental school will tell us what next year's tuition will be, let alone the next 4 years. For me, if the price difference was over 100k, then I would go to the less expensive school, but at $50k, I would go wherever you like more.

I thought of this as well.... and I know Nova is a private school and therefore is not effected by state funding.
I didn't know about the 10% budget cut though.

Something else to consider: The scholarship is probably only guaranteed for the 1st year, and then if you maintain a certain GPA. Usually those who get these scholarships are able to maintain the GPA, but what if someone didn't meet that level? Then they'd only save $12,500 (in this example) and be at a school they only went to because they thought they were saving $50,000. That would hurt.

Actually, I was told the only way to lose the scholarship was to pretty much get on academic probation.

Very very tru! U might even decide to practice in Florida which as I see it is better that Iowa - but I've never been there so what do I know. Novae tuition has stayed pretty consistent, increasing about $2k a year. I think the biggest thing to consider is cost of living difference. But I too would have a hard time making that choice if a school other than my "top choice" offered me a scholarship of any kind. Good Luck with ur decision!!!😉

Bingo. One of the big reasons I want to go to Nova is because I want to practice in Southeastern part of America.


Thanks for the constructive discussion.

 

[HopefulDent]

Heya yuppers! I feel like this is a repeat of your discussion when deciding which school to attend a couple months ago... You already know what it is that your want, you don't need anyone else to tell you whats better for you. Do what makes you happy bro 🙂

 

[yuppers]

Heya yuppers! I feel like this is a repeat of your discussion when deciding which school to attend a couple months ago... You already know what it is that your want, you don't need anyone else to tell you whats better for you. Do what makes you happy bro 🙂

Yeah, you're right. I figured it would be wise to at least think about the option.
Anyway, I was surprised when I got the news....and I guess I just needed some reassurance in my decision to not take the money.

 

[garbage]

You know, it's just really not worth the extra years you're going to be paying back loans for a so-called 'experience.' You're, more or less, going to learn the same thing at the school you were additionally accepted to, regardless of the experience. IMHO, if Ft. Lauderdale/Miami is that important to you, move there AFTER you graduate, with substantially less debt.

 

[HopefulDent]

i understand and acknowledge your point, but i believe that is not the most important thing for many people. cost is an important factor without a doubt, but it is not the only factor. everyone's situation is different. what one person may find invaluable, another might find quite valuable. i believe location to be a huge factor, but i also believe cost to be important. if the cost different was lets say 100,000 to 200,000 i would probably go cheaper, but when i consider 300,000 to 250,000... i say 300,000 (assuming i am going to be happier)