Rationale of choosing a school with higher tuition...

[michaelhardy]

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I thought this was a good dilemma question and actually one that I will be hopefully facing soon. First off, we all know the way the economy is and the importance of getting through school without much debt. Truth be told, there have been areas where pharmacy jobs have been put at a stand still while the schools keep pumping out graduates. We all hope that this will pass and that the economy will get back on its feet again and we all can live happily ever after with our dream jobs. However, the debt accrued during pharmacy school or lack of really can have an impact down on the road as far as paying it off.

This leads me to the dilemma of picking school A or school B. School A is the state school which will cost approximately 40k for the four years. It is generally a good school and the quality is very good considering how cheap it is. Pharmacists generally have good success after graduating and have good experiences while attending. However, you feel school A just isn't the right fit for you and plus it is in a less than desirable geographical location. You then look at school B, which will cost around 130+ k for the four years. School B is a great location with great weather and is quite appealing. It is also intriguing because it also contains programs/opportunities that you have dreamed about your whole life and will lead you to reach your career and professional goals.

So the dilemma is this: Do you still choose school A over school B (based solely on your financial future)? Or does the fact that school B is just a better fit than the cheaper school overcome the gap in tuition? Of course there are other factors but I just wanted to see the general consensus. In the long run, I don't think money is that important of a factor, because all we are looking for in this life is happiness and the money will always work out itself.

 

[Marchmagnolia]

In an ideal world, you shouldn't have to put a price on your dreams.
But we live in a less-than-ideal world...🙄

 

[rxlea]

I thought this was a good dilemma question and actually one that I will be hopefully facing soon. First off, we all know the way the economy is and the importance of getting through school without much debt. Truth be told, there have been areas where pharmacy jobs have been put at a stand still while the schools keep pumping out graduates. We all hope that this will pass and that the economy will get back on its feet again and we all can live happily ever after with our dream jobs. However, the debt accrued during pharmacy school or lack of really can have an impact down on the road as far as paying it off.

This leads me to the dilemma of picking school A or school B. School A is the state school which will cost approximately 40k for the four years. It is generally a good school and the quality is very good considering how cheap it is. Pharmacists generally have good success after graduating and have good experiences while attending. However, you feel school A just isn't the right fit for you and plus it is in a less than desirable geographical location. You then look at school B, which will cost around 130+ k for the four years. School B is a great location with great weather and is quite appealing. It is also intriguing because it also contains programs/opportunities that you have dreamed about your whole life and will lead you to reach your career and professional goals.

So the dilemma is this: Do you still choose school A over school B (based solely on your financial future)? Or does the fact that school B is just a better fit than the cheaper school overcome the gap in tuition? Of course there are other factors but I just wanted to see the general consensus. In the long run, I don't think money is that important of a factor, because all we are looking for in this life is happiness and the money will always work out itself.

It seems that you would enjoy being at school B more. Do not settle for anything less. No amount of money is worth your happiness and satisfaction with your chosen career path. Most of us are going to be in debt (>100K). With that said, you must remember that coming out of pharmacy school, if you land a decent job, you will be making close to 100K, if not more, a year. You can easily pay off your student loan debt relatively quickly if you are fiscally responsible. Choose school B. You know you want to. Follow your heart...really.

 

[cschellh]

I feel ya...

I am actually in that situation right now myself... (which I guess is still a "good" situation to have, so no complaints)

My bf of 5 years and I have both been accepted to Lipscomb (private w/ tuition of ~130) and Wayne State (public w/ tuition ~67)...

Basically, we live in MI and we are in LOVE w/ Lipscomb... they have a great facility, faculty, and seem to genuinely care about all of their students. They called us the very next day to let us know thatwe were accepted to the program and they were very caring towards us living out of state and in helping usin any way that they can.. but they cost almost 2x the amount of Wayne.

Wayne is a much more prestigious school, with a fully accredited program that is wayyyyyyyy less expensive. The area is not so great (Detroit).. went there for a semester for undergrad and not so much a fan of it..

We'll be getting married in the next few years and I'm just not sure if taking on $120,000 more debt (combined) to go to the school that we like a lot more (60,000 for each one of us).... is worth it?

It's definitely a really big decision.. and we're definitely struggling with it.

Yes, I know some people will say that money can't buy happiness.. and you should pursue the school that will make you more happy, regardless of money.. but maybe I could justify that for like 50 or 60,000 more (combined).. but with 120,000 more debt?! NOT SO SURE?!?!?!


AHHHHHHH! Well, we're leaning towards the state school..

Any thoughts on this?

 

[waterloggedfrog]

I'd go with the cheaper one, unless you thought the more expensive one would afford you more opportunities down the road. I wouldn’t let the facilities/location be much of a factor; it’s only gonna be 4 years anyway!

 

[JVket04]

What are the names of school A and B. I think that price difference in definitely worth considering and you might want to hear peoples opinions about the specific schools

 

[TolueneRX]

im apt to say school A..unless school A location is sooo bad..well for me..im in CA..so anywhere around here is good..but if i have to go to some cold state in the Esast coast (NY and MA is ok)...i might not.

 

[michaelhardy]

Thanks for the responses everyone.

For me personally, the schools are University of Wyoming (in-state) and Hawaii-Hilo. UHH is relatively new but their service to underprivileged areas throughout the pacific rim is what intrigues me. I really want to be involved in rural areas and help out those that are suffering because of a lack of healthcare professionals in the area. My brother is a P4 at Wyoming and has generally had positive experiences but I kind of want to do something special and I am at a position in my life (young, single, no kids) where I can go out and have incredible experiences that can help me achieve my professional goals. I was really impressed of what the UHH representative told me during my interview and think it would be a perfect place for myself to make a mark in this world. This is all hypothetical of course as I just interviewed and will be notified of both school's decision within the next two weeks.