Mississippi vs Iowa

[oatmealandtea]

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(Cross posted on Reddit as well)
Hi all, i was fortunate enough to be accepted into mississippi and iowa and I am having trouble choosing between the two. I was wondering if you all had any insight that could help me make a decision (im also such an indecisive person)

I am OOS for both, so tuition is quite high. I have visited starkville, MS for interview week and I was not super impressed by the town. I am not sure why but I felt pretty depressed there (granted it was cloudy and gloomy). I am from California and I dont know if I love the small town life, but if I have to put up with it for four years then it is what it is. Ames, Iowa is rather small as well, but when I visited I enjoyed the environment and town a lot more. I have also had my eyes on Iowa for quite some time because of a PI that I work with that graduated from there. You can say I have a pretty optimistic view on the school because of everything he has shared (+ research on the school i have done on my own). The real catch here is that MS will allow me to grandfather into grad plus loans and therefore prevent me from taking out private loans since they start in June. Iowa exceeds the 200k cap for me, so i would take out a good chunk of money through private loans. I have always felt a connection towards Iowa, and it hurts to turn this school down. But i know cost is the most important factor. If i were to choose Iowa, do they give out scholarships that could help cut down the cost? Any insight is much appreciated!! I am truthfully so grateful to have the stress of even choosing between two schools, im just in a pickle because my heart wants Iowa but im not sure if thats the right path financially.

 

[supershorty]

my heart wants Iowa but im not sure if thats the right path financially.

I think you already know the answer here. From what you've described, I don't think anyone here would recommend that you go to a program where it's essentially guaranteed that you would have to take out some (likely predatory) private loans as opposed to having all of your loans through grad plus.

Both programs will make you a fine veterinarian. If you feel a connection to Iowa for some reason, you can always move there after you graduate. But don't sink your future financially because you have a starry-eyed view of the school from one person who went there.

 

[beans2020]

I interviewed at Mississippi State and had a good position on the OOS waitlist (i would have been accepted if I had chosen to stay on the waitlist). They are a fabulous school and will do an incredible job training you! Mizzou was the better choice for me financially but I believe I would have been just as happy at Mississippi State.
With the caveat that Mizzou and Mississippi are not the same school - the 2+2 curriculum really does set you up for success because you get so much time on clinical rotations so I think you will enjoy that.
It is so hard to recognize you may have to say no to a school you absolutely love and really want to go to. I think you are being very smart about taking your time to make this decision well ❤️

 

[dew5]

FWIW, Iowa does offer scholarships (I just received an email today for an offer as an OOS applicant). I do not know what factors into their scholarship decisions, as this was not something I applied for. If this is a position you find yourself in it might be worth considering, although depending on your financial situation and package (if offered) this could still push you past the 200k cap.

 

[oatmealandtea]

I think you already know the answer here. From what you've described, I don't think anyone here would recommend that you go to a program where it's essentially guaranteed that you would have to take out some (likely predatory) private loans as opposed to having all of your loans through grad plus.

Both programs will make you a fine veterinarian. If you feel a connection to Iowa for some reason, you can always move there after you graduate. But don't sink your future financially because you have a starry-eyed view of the school from one person who went there.

Thank you so much for your advice🙂 you are absolutely right, my view is def shaped by that person and I should go with MSU

 

[oatmealandtea]

FWIW, Iowa does offer scholarships (I just received an email today for an offer as an OOS applicant). I do not know what factors into their scholarship decisions, as this was not something I applied for. If this is a position you find yourself in it might be worth considering, although depending on your financial situation and package (if offered) this could still push you past the 200k cap.

Ooo this is nice to know thank you so much! I unfortunately didn’t get anything but fingers crossed I receive an email before April 15!!!! Can I ask if the scholarship was substantial? Like enough to sway a decision?

 

[oatmealandtea]

I interviewed at Mississippi State and had a good position on the OOS waitlist (i would have been accepted if I had chosen to stay on the waitlist). They are a fabulous school and will do an incredible job training you! Mizzou was the better choice for me financially but I believe I would have been just as happy at Mississippi State.
With the caveat that Mizzou and Mississippi are not the same school - the 2+2 curriculum really does set you up for success because you get so much time on clinical rotations so I think you will enjoy that.
It is so hard to recognize you may have to say no to a school you absolutely love and really want to go to. I think you are being very smart about taking your time to make this decision well ❤️

You are so very sweet thank you so much! This is definitely a hard decision and I appreciate your kind words. The 2+2 program is a great plus since I tend to be a hands on learner. Wishing you luck at mizzou!

 

[dew5]

Ooo this is nice to know thank you so much! I unfortunately didn’t get anything but fingers crossed I receive an email before April 15!!!! Can I ask if the scholarship was substantial? Like enough to sway a decision?

Potentially? Again, would depend on your specific financial situation, but the package I was offered would cover approximately a year plus a semester of tuition for OOS. As an aside, everyone I have talked to has only had great things to say about State. I felt similarly as you when I interviewed in Starkville, but in the end, there will not be much time while you are in school to explore the town. I think either Iowa or Mississippi State could be a good fit, but in the long run finances are a crucial decision factor. Best of luck in deciding, I totally understand how hard it is!