Purdue vs. LMU

[Abby9906]

Hey everyone,


I’m currently in the process of deciding between Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) and Purdue University for vet school, and I could really use some insight from others who have been through similar decisions!

A little background about me—I’m currently an undergrad at LMU, so I’m already comfortable with the environment, faculty, and overall culture here. I love the close-knit feel and how much they emphasize hands-on experience. However, Purdue is my in-state school, which could make a big difference financially, and it has a well-established reputation in veterinary medicine.

My biggest concern is regretting my choice later—whether it’s missing out on Purdue’s prestige and opportunities or stepping too far out of my comfort zone if I leave LMU. I’m nervous about transitioning to a completely new school, but I also don’t want to limit myself if Purdue offers something that LMU doesn’t.


For those of you who have attended either school (or had to make a similar decision), what factors did you consider?


• Does Purdue’s in-state tuition make that much of a difference in terms of student debt?


• If you transitioned to a completely new school for vet school, how was the adjustment?


• Any regrets about choosing one school over another?


• Does anyone strongly recommend or not recommend one school for a particular reason?


I’d love to hear from anyone who has insight into either program or has faced a similar choice. Thanks in advance for your help!

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[DVM882029]

This will probably be moved by the mods to the "Help me choose X v Y" subforum.

 

[Abby9906]

Thank you! I will post there.

 

[JaynaAli]

Edit: never mind I went and replied on the X vs y thread. but pick Purdue.

 

[JaynaAli]

It appears the cost for Purdue IS is like $172k and LMU OOS is like 370k, which is more than double. No school is worth paying double when you have an option that much cheaper. 172k is probably realistic to pay off, whereas that will be difficult with the amount of interest that will accrue on 370k. Income based repayment makes it doable, but a lot of the plans are currently in limbo for that. With the current state of student loans, I would strongly encourage you to go to the cheapest school.

I think another thing you have to consider when deciding between these two schools is that Purdue has a teaching hospital and LMU does not. Now, it’s been proven you don’t absolutely need to have a teaching hospital to get a good education, but I would certainly want one if available, and especially when the option with the hospital is half the price of the other option. Distributive clinics means lots of travel which can mean hassle in the form of costs, travel time, pet care, etc. and I wouldn’t want to deal with that if I didn’t have to/more than I had to. Having access to more specialists via a hospital is a really nice thing.

So I’d definitely pick Purdue. Not for the reputation (because that part doesn’t matter) but because it is not only cheaper but provides a hospital that LMU doesn’t. That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with LMU, but nothing about it justifies that much extra money when there’s a cheaper option that is just as good or better. Lots of people have to move for school. They all survive it. You won’t be the only person “starting over” in a new place. Future you will be thankful when you have less than half the loans to pay back.

 

[SkiOtter]

Does Purdue’s in-state tuition make that much of a difference in terms of student debt?

In state tuition will always make a MASSIVE difference in terms of debt. Go for the option that keeps your debt lower because it will snowball with interest

 

[battie]

You know what you can do with 100k? Buy a house. You know what you cannot do with 100k? Buy a better doctorate degree.

 

[Trilt]

This is a no brainer - go to the cheaper, established program school.

 

[prevetstudent1121]

Hey everyone,


I’m currently in the process of deciding between Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) and Purdue University for vet school, and I could really use some insight from others who have been through similar decisions!

A little background about me—I’m currently an undergrad at LMU, so I’m already comfortable with the environment, faculty, and overall culture here. I love the close-knit feel and how much they emphasize hands-on experience. However, Purdue is my in-state school, which could make a big difference financially, and it has a well-established reputation in veterinary medicine.

My biggest concern is regretting my choice later—whether it’s missing out on Purdue’s prestige and opportunities or stepping too far out of my comfort zone if I leave LMU. I’m nervous about transitioning to a completely new school, but I also don’t want to limit myself if Purdue offers something that LMU doesn’t.


For those of you who have attended either school (or had to make a similar decision), what factors did you consider?


• Does Purdue’s in-state tuition make that much of a difference in terms of student debt?


• If you transitioned to a completely new school for vet school, how was the adjustment?


• Any regrets about choosing one school over another?


• Does anyone strongly recommend or not recommend one school for a particular reason?


I’d love to hear from anyone who has insight into either program or has faced a similar choice. Thanks in advance for your help!

i have been waitlisted (IS) for purdue but genuinely it makes more sense to pick purdue. but that could also just be because i prioritize debt over anything else. good luck w whatever you decide!!