Southern Illinois vs Saint Louis University

[IllinoisEnjoyer1]

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This thread is really just whether or not the “greater opportunities” at SLU are worth the cost difference. For context, I would graduate SIU with ~100k of debt, and SLU with ~300k of debt. I do not know what specialty I want to practice; I have interests everywhere. However, my one goal is to do residency in Chicago in my chosen specialty. Any input appreciated! I've also been accepted to UICOM Peoria but not really considering attending.


SIU
Pro:

• Significantly cheaper
• No internal rank
• Matches into competitive specialties are definitely possible based on recent match lists (if that is what my interest ends up being).

Neutral(?):

• P/F all 4 years
• Heavy Problem-Based Learning curriculum

Con:

• Worried about having less opportunity for networking and research (relative to SLU)
• Have to move after M1 (Carbondale to Springfield)

SLU:
Pro:

• More opportunities for research + networking in a larger city
• 1.5 year preclinical – gives more time for career exploration
• Significantly more in-house residency programs
• Has a more extensive match list than SIU (although class size is much larger)

Con:

• $$$$ (really my biggest gripe)
• Internal rank
• Huge class size

Summary: Significantly lower COA with fewer resources vs. higher COA school with more resources.