Penn State vs Drexel

[mdtree]

Trying to decide between Drexel and Penn State

Not a PA resident

Penn State
~10k cheaper
Kind of in the middle of nowhere
really liked the school when I went there
Drexel
Cooler area - but pre clinical years not really in philly, also have heard really mixed things about housing options
Ranked higher? not really sure about this, have ready widely varying things on sdn
later orientation start date would allow me to have ~4 weeks off versus 2 weeks off with penn state after my job ends (can't quit earlier because I'm a teacher)

Overall I like both schools and think I could be happy at both. I feel like they are quite different environments and am having a really tough time deciding.. slightly leaning towards Drexel based on location alone.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!!

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[WedgeDawg]

Moving to SSD

 

[mdtree]

Bump...

 

[sunset57]

I'd choose Penn State.

Philly wins hands down compared to Hershey as a more exciting place to spend 4 years, but don't ignore Hershey's significantly lower COL, and a crime rate (in Hershey, not Harrisburg) that is significantly below the national average.

http://www.homefacts.com/crime/Pennsylvania/Dauphin-County/Hershey.html

Penn State wins if you compare the major teaching hospital.

Penn State Hershey Medical Center is a well-regarded major referral center for central PA.

http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/pa/penn-state-milton-s-hershey-medical-center-6230705

Hahnemann isn't well regarded even in Philadelphia, often ranked behind smaller community hospitals.

http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/philadelphia-pa

http://www.consumerreports.org/heal...sity-hospital-6231890-general-information.htm

Penn State wins re NIH research funding, at ~2x that of Drexel.

I'd also pick Penn State as a winner re class size (~150 vs 250 at Drexel), as well as their long-standing national reputation for student-focused curriculum innovation.

http://www.amednews.com/article/20130615/house/130619939/8/

Remember also that 40K over 4 years of school translates into significantly more if you're financing the difference.

Ultimately, both are good choices.

Congratulations, good luck.