Out of state tuition

[DPTTELl]

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Hello everyone!

Unfurtunately I wasn’t accepted in any of my home state schools, but I was accepted into two programs out of state with a total tuition of 90k and the other one 100k.
I am 31 years old (no kids) looking into starting a career in PT. This is my first time applying and I’m very fortunate to have two places to chose from. However the tuition cost is freaking me out. I currently have about 30k in undergrad debt, my husband doesn’t have any school debt which is good and he is willing to take charge when it comes to covering living expenses for both of us while I am in school.
I was considering re-applying this year, but he keeps insisting time is more valuable than money. I am also afraid I don’t get accepted and I have to wait another cycle.
We do want to start a family, but not until I am done with school.
I am so confused and frustrated I really don’t know what to do.

I appreciate any advice.

 

[SATXDPT]

Since cost of living is not a factor (spouse will support you regardless of location), then you need to consider the dollar value of your time. If in-state school costs $55k and out-of-state is $90k, then the difference is $35k. Would you make $35k more your first year out of school than you are making now? That is one additional year of your career that you will make a higher salary. If you are currently making $30k per year, then you will definitely make back the $35k in one year if you start your PT career at $65k or higher. What if you are off by $10k or $20k in the calculation?
There is a risk that you will re-apply and not get in next year. Are you willing to bet a few thousand $$ that you will?
I made the decision to attend a private school rather than wait because in the end the difference was about $20k, and I was willing to pay that to get on with my education and not lose a year.
If you feel that you want to start a family soon, I wouldn't wait.

 

[mlb_25]

The main thing you have to be realistic about is if you think you have a shot at being accepted to your in-state schools next year. Will it be worth it to spend the time and money retaking any classes, the GRE, and upping your shadowing/volunteering experience? If you are reapplying, it's in your best interest to have all that completed before you submit your applications so the improvement is concrete, which means you'll have to get going on that stuff this spring or the summer at the latest if they even offer the classes/labs you need during that time. You'll also have to consider the cost and stress of going through another application cycle and repaying the app fees, resending GRE scores, traveling for interviews, etc. Lastly, you are accruing interest on your undergrad loans for an additional year so if you have high interest rates it might not be smart to wait.

Although not ideal, you are fortunate to have been accepted to two schools which IMO aren't terrible as far as tuition goes. It's pretty daunting to think about being in that much debt but remember there are some programs that cost $150K+ and those PTs seem to be doing okay. If you truly think waiting a year is doable and best for you and your family, I'd say go with what you feel.

 

[dpt628570]

I agree with the comments above.
I asked myself, would I rather reapply and HOPE to get into a cheaper school next year and continue to get paid minimum wage as a PT tech or just attend the more expensive school now and think of the "extra year" I saved, as a year in the future where I would be paid 80-90k in my late career. It was such an easy choice.

 

[DPTTELl]

Thank you so much for the advice I really appreciate it. Although it’s a hard decision to make I do also agree time it’s more valuable at this point.
My GPA isn’t too bad with a cGPA or 3.4 and a pGPA of 3.7 I would definetly have to re-take the GRE and because I have been working full time, my observation hours were very limited so I would also have to spend more time shadowing. I was only able to do 100 hours. Like one of you said the cost and stress of re-applying not knowing if I will be accepted in my home-town might not even be worth it.
I feel much better now and I think I will be putting in my deposit today in one of the schools.

Thank you again!

 

[amlope03]

While the cost is quite high, you do have the benefit of your husband paying for your living expenses. Most students have to pay for tuition AND cost of living, which puts you in a decent position. I say just go for it now!

 

[beyoutiful_sunshine]

Talk to the schools that you got accepted in about the possibility of you getting in-state tuitions, they might have options that all together will just resolve your dilemma. For instance, I know most schools here let you pay in-state tuition if you get at least 1 scholarship of $1,000. Another way students qualify for in-state tuition is by taking a graduate assistant position. While this might not be possible during your first year due to the demands of school, you might be able to do it during your 2nd year. Long story short, contact both of your school and let them know you're an out-of-state student and try to see if they have any options to offer, that's what I did 🙂 (I'm an international student but I was able to pay in-state tuition)

 

[DPTTELl]

I don’t think the school Im going to offers it, but I will investigate further.
Thank you!