Penn vs. Minnesota

[gopher341238]

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I have an extremely tough decision and was wondering if others who have been in similar situations could give some helpful insight.

I was accepted to both the University of Pennsylvania's School Dental Medicine's Class of 2014 and the University of Minnesota's School of Dentistry's Class of 2014. I like both program and both are good schools but there is a large price difference. Cost of attendance for Minnesota is about 200,000, whereas Penn is about 360,000. Is it feasible to pay back a 360,000 loan. I am interested in pursuing OMFS after graduation and the interest accruing on both loans would be immense.

I was hoping to receive the Dean's Scholarship at Penn (1/2 off tuition) making the two schools more similar in price. I really liked Penn's program and the surrounding area. If there are any students who went to an expensive school like Penn, and could chime in on the feasibility of paying back such a large loan, I would greatly appreciate it. 😕

Sorry for such a long post. Any suggestions or insight would be appreciated. I have until January 15th to make my final decision.

 

[reapply2007]

Go where it is cheaper. This will allow you to keep your options open. Alternatively, learn to use the search function. Try something like "should I go to the more expensive school or the less expensive school?" The specific schools involved make no difference at all. This a is a truism of dentistry- go to the less expensive school.

 

[Ostracized]

Penn has a great reputation and that may give you a slight advantage in applying for OMFS (everything else being equal).

Is that slight edge worth $160K? I can't imagine anyone saying yes to that question.

 

[HupHolland]

If you're truly cut out for OMFS, you will get in to a program regardless of where you go to school. Like the others said: go to Minnesota. Don't let the ivy name lure you in. Minnesota is well-respected, too!

Hup