Temple vs SIU

[rsingh32]

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Hi everyone,

So I was set on going to Temple given it was my only acceptance up to this point, however I was accepted by SIU yesterday and now I'm torn between the two. I'm an Illinois resident, and I calculated that I would be saving 120k by going to SIU between tuition and living costs. However, during my interview I preferred the atmosphere at Temple more than SIU. Furthermore I can really appreciate living in a larger city than Alton. I actually thought Alton was dreadful as a town. I know both offer strong clinical education, but which one would give me a better chance to specialize? The biggest motivator for SIU is the money I'll be saving, but other than that, I preferred temple in every aspect. Can anyone provide any insight on this decision?

Thanks!

 

[ncide]

120K is not worth it. SIU hands down.

 

[CubsFan44]

SIU. Even if you think Alton is dreadful, you'll atleast have other students to hang out with that will likely think the same way

 

[hellofuturedentists]

How much does each one cost? Yes, $120k is a huge amount of money, but if it's SIU @ $100k and Temple @ $220k, Temple debt is still manageable. If it's SIU @$400k and Temple @ $520k, then definitely go to SIU.

 

[rsingh32]

How much does each one cost? Yes, $120k is a huge amount of money, but if it's SIU @ $100k and Temple @ $220k, Temple debt is still manageable. If it's SIU @$400k and Temple @ $520k, then definitely go to SIU.

Siu total costs would be 230k while temple is 350k.

 

[hellofuturedentists]

Siu total costs would be 230k while temple is 350k.

While $350k is a very large amount of debt, I personally think it would be on the upper end of manageable. Go through some old threads on SDN or some loan calculators. Maybe even contact Temple and see if they can help you figure it out if you legitimately like it that much more than SIU. I know it's a really tough decision. Good luck making it!

 

[Incis0r]

So I was set on going to Temple given it was my only acceptance up to this point, however I was accepted by SIU yesterday and now I'm torn between the two. I'm an Illinois resident, and I calculated that I would be saving 120k by going to SIU between tuition and living costs. However, during my interview I preferred the atmosphere at Temple more than SIU. Furthermore I can really appreciate living in a larger city than Alton. I actually thought Alton was dreadful as a town. I know both offer strong clinical education, but which one would give me a better chance to specialize? The biggest motivator for SIU is the money I'll be saving, but other than that, I preferred temple in every aspect. Can anyone provide any insight on this decision?

Siu total costs would be 230k while temple is 350k.

SIU ($230K debt @5% interest): a monthly payment of $2,440. In reality, your payment will be higher than this due to interest during dental school + tuition increase.

Temple ($350K debt @5% interest): a monthly payment of $3,712. In reality, your payment will be higher than this due to interest during dental school + tuition increase.

Do you really like Temple that much more that you're willing to pay an extra $15,264 every year (after tax), for 10 years, for it? Wouldn't you like that extra $15K to do something better? That $15K each year could get you the awesome car that is in your avatar picture. Or that $15K each year could pay for your residency loans/specialty certificate!

 

[SnozzBerry]

Tough spot bud... Alton is dreadful, but not $120k+ interest dreadful...

 

[LaughingGas]

SIU.
You can even add GPR/AEGD after graduating and total cost would still be cheaper than attending Temple.
Plus you get to add something to your resume.

 

[NutritionIllinois]

5 to 5. Some help, huh? That is because there is no right answer. Many people here look at this strictly economically. But humans are involved. If you got a bad vibe from a school, absolutely hate small town living, and like Temple in every regard except cost, you really have to comsider how much four years of possibly being miserable is worth, plus the effect it will have on grades and passing boards. Are you somebody who is easily adaptable? Or are you somebody who will not easily adapt and will be miserable and constantly regretting your decision? There is a large value to happiness for four years. One poster made a financial impact case for a 10-year repayment. But loans can be spread out longer to lessen immediate impact. Whatever your choice, just remember you were probably happy with Temple before, and there are worse things than going to SIU and becoming a dentist even if it isn't your first choice. Count your blessings, understand that there are plenty of people who would love to have this problem, think about your personality and how you anticipate the next four years, make a choice and no regrets!

 

[workofshart]

Maybe I'm sheltered and this is just me but I wouldn't pay 120k more to go to school in the ghetto of Philly. But if you rather go there than podunk Illinois then go for it 4 years is a long time and only you know where youll be happy.

Sent from my LG-D801 using SDN mobile

 

[NutritionIllinois]

What did you finally decide?

 

[Saddleshoes]

I'm gue$$ing that you have no idea how much ca$h that 120,000 actually i$.
I'm gue$$ing you have never been in debt before.
I'm gue$$ing that your Daddy does not have buck$ to pay for your $chooling.

If I am gue$$ing right, go to SIU.