Tufts (Maine Track) vs SUNY Upstate (Happiness vs. Money)

[Pizzafish6871]

Tufts
Pros

• Better location. I am big on outdoor sports and Portland, Maine just has a better community and more to do in this regard.
• My SO is going to be living in Oregon for the next two years for school but has already pre-empted me that doesn't like the idea of moving to Upstate NY for us to be together (though he still thinks we'd make the long distance work). He is from the Portland, Maine area and would be much more excited about moving back there after he finishes grad school. It would be a better choice for him and I'd be happier to have him around.
• I think I would just be so much happier here. I have friends including one of my best friends in Maine.
• I loved the vibe of the Maine Track and the focus on rural medicine.
• Pre-clinical P/F

Cons

• CoA is significantly higher. Basically ~90k per year for four years. I still have some debt from undergrad that will be accumulating interest during school.
• Not excited about the idea of living in Boston for 1 year before going to Maine for the last 3.

Upstate
Pros

• CoA is lower ~68k per year.
• Also has a rural medicine program that I was stoked about during my interview.
• pre-clinical P/F
• It seemed like there were more research opportunities than the Maine Track had to offer.

Cons

• The location would be the biggest one. Can't say I am thrilled about the idea of living in Syracuse for four years. But it's only 4 years.

Summary: My heart's telling me to go with Tufts, but my head wants to pick Upstate as the financially responsible option.

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[lalalallala]

I think only you can decide whether 88k is worth it to you. Maybe the COA would be lower for the last two years if you lived with the SO?

I think if you really think you would be happier at Tufts then pick Tufts, but that amount of money is definitely tough (272 vs 360), so I feel for you. At the end of the day - the different considerations (happiness, money, SO) all are weighted differently for different people.

 

[Rachapkis]

Somewhere between $50,000 - $100,000 is the amount I would be willing to spend for a material boost in happiness during medical school. Your $88,00 gap is right there. That is a material sum that will certainly affect you after you graduate, but not so large that it will leave you underwater forever. Personally, I would lean toward happiness during medical school, but realize that reasonable minds can differ on this one.