Tuition Contemplation

[clinicalscience808]

Hey guys!

I have the amazing issue this year of being accepted into several schools. Im OOS/WICHE for all of them but I don't have full confidence that I'll get a WICHE sponsorship or spot in each school since there's just so few of them. Looking at the OOS tuitions, I am definitely conflicted. I was accepted to OSU, WSU, Western, and CSU and am looking at all of them as options. CSU is definitely my top choice, although it's also the most expensive. My parents will thankfully be paying the majority of tuition and I don't want to push them too far, so I will take out loans if needed. However, I don't know if the extra tuition is worth it for CSU. The tuitions for last year are below for reference in the order I would most likely choose them. If anyone has any thoughts on what is worth it with the school let me know! I love CSU for the location near things to do as well as the amazing specialties at CSU along with the great VTH and school connections. (The other schools all have their own benefits for me as well!)

CSU: 59,000
Western: 53,000
WSU: 57,000 although you can get in-state (24,000) after a year.
OSU: 46,000

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[SkiOtter]

go for the cheapestttttttttttttttt
you'll save money in both loans and your parents' money, which i assume they would prefer.

 

[Caiter92]

Do you know if you will have WICHE decisions by the deadline? If you won't, go with WSU. The extra loans are not worth it. It is very easy to get IS tuition at WSU after the first year, as long as you meet their requirements, and my understanding is the school will help make sure you do.

 

[WildZoo]

Agreed with caiter.

Also, by OSU... are you referring to Oklahoma State, Oregon State, or Ohio State? The latter school will also allow you to switch residency status and pay IS tuition rates after your first year, though I think that WSU still might have it beat in total CoA (I'd check the VIN map, but I'm currently on mobile... so just guessing here).

Likely Oregon, I think that's the only one of the OSU's that does WICHE

 

[SkiOtter]

Agreed with caiter.

Also, by OSU... are you referring to Oklahoma State, Oregon State, or Ohio State? The latter school will also allow you to switch residency status and pay IS tuition rates after your first year, though I think that WSU still might have it beat in total CoA (I'd check the VIN map, but I'm currently on mobile... so just guessing here).

i assumed oregon bc of the wiche situation, but could be wrong (but im like 99% sure wsu would have ohio state beat because first year is like 70k oos)

 

[britzen]

CSU: 59,000
Western: 53,000
WSU: 57,000 although you can get in-state (24,000) after a year.
OSU: 46,000

Don't forget to factor in cost of living, etc for your total cost of education at any given institution. Using these schools estimates for non-residents, it comes out to:

WSU: $204,486 (*assumes in-state status after 2nd year)
OSU: $252,828
CSU: $304, 992
Western: $313,458

Unless you can articulate a specific and strong reason to chose one school over another, you'll probably be happiest in the long run going to the cheapest option because of the freedom it will afford you down the road, both in your personal and professional life.
It is also worth discussing the finances with your parents if they will be paying for some or all of your education.

 

[clinicalscience808]

Hi everyone,

Yes I did mean Oregon State (sorry for the confusion!). Thank you all for your insight and I agree that on paper WSU seems like the better choice. My problem is I can't shake the feeling that I would love CSU. My main hesitation with WSU is the weather and area. I hated my undergrad school and left after a year because it was so isolated and cold. There was nothing much to do and for the entire winter season it was gloomy. I know in vet school you don't have a lot of time to get out anyway, but I really don't want to resent where I am for 4 years. I hate to completely negate WSU though, because I love the vet school and the openness to the VTH that they have. To me, both schools seem very friendly which is some people's favorite thing about WSU. Really, looking at my pro con list, WSU and CSU are the same as far as the school itself and the facilities. (WSU may have a few less opportunities from what I've heard since it is more isolated but to me they seem comparable). So really, it all comes down to location, price, and where I'll be happiest.

WSU of course wins on price considering over all 4 years I would save $100,000. CSU wins on location, especially for me. I loved Fort Collins and being that close to Denver/a major airport is a major plus (even if I won't be getting out that much). My happiness is harder to pin point. My head (and wallet) are telling me WSU might be the better choice, but my heart is definitely leaning towards CSU. To put this into perspective, I yelled and jumped around when I found out I got into CSU while with WSU I smiled and was happy about it. I am definitely not putting WSU down, I just don't want to make the wrong decision for me personally since I'd hate to repeat my undergrad fiasco again. Does anyone know of someone who chose the pricer option and didn't regret it? I just want to get both sides of the coin if possible...

 

[SkiOtter]

My main hesitation with WSU is the weather

(Is Pullman all that much snowier than Fort Collins?)

 

[ziggyandjazzy]

Don't forget to factor in cost of living, etc for your total cost of education at any given institution. Using these schools estimates for non-residents, it comes out to:

WSU: $204,486 (*assumes in-state status after 2nd year)
OSU: $252,828
CSU: $304, 992
Western: $313,458

Unless you can articulate a specific and strong reason to chose one school over another, you'll probably be happiest in the long run going to the cheapest option because of the freedom it will afford you down the road, both in your personal and professional life.
It is also worth discussing the finances with your parents if they will be paying for some or all of your education.

But if they get WICHE funding, they would be paying IS tuition. It would also be useful to see the cost difference there. I know IS tuition for OSU and WSU is about 25k per year. It looks like CSU is about 30-32k per year IS.

When do you find out about WICHE?
If it's after the deadline, that seems ridiculous IMO. Why wouldn't people then just deposit at multiple schools until they know?

 

[Caiter92]

(Is Pullman all that much snowier than Fort Collins?)

No. In fact it’s definitely less snowy. Harsh winters aren’t common around here at all.

 

[Caiter92]

But if they get WICHE funding, they would be paying IS tuition. It would also be useful to see the cost difference there. I know IS tuition for OSU and WSU is about 25k per year. It looks like CSU is about 30-32k per year IS.

When do you find out about WICHE?
If it's after the deadline, that seems ridiculous IMO. Why wouldn't people then just deposit at multiple schools until they know?

A lot of times you don’t find out until after. I believe last year AZ didn’t find out until May? It’s frustrating but it happens.

Also, COL still needs to be taken into consideration. CSU may only be $5-7k more in tuition, but has higher COL. So it’s going to be far more than $20-28k total (even before interest). OSU and WSU will end up being far cheaper in the long run, even with IS.

 

[MixedAnimals77]

(Is Pullman all that much snowier than Fort Collins?)

Ft. Collins was super balmy when they visited CO tends to like to fool people in that regard. As far as weather I can promise Ft Collins can probably be way more cold and snowy than Pullman given the right day. CO native here.

 

[ziggyandjazzy]

A lot of times you don’t fine out until after. I believe last year AZ didn’t find out until May? It’s frustrating but it happens.

Also, COL still needs to be taken into consideration. CSU may only be $5-7k more in tuition, but has higher COL. So it’s going to be far more than $20-28k total (even before interest). OSU and WSU will end up being far cheaper in the long run, even with IS.

I don't know about the COL at CSU or really anything about it but rent in Oregon is getting really expensive. COL at OSU would definitely be higher than WSU IMO. How significant of a difference probably would depend on what you want/need in a living situation.

 

[MixedAnimals77]

I don't know about the COL at CSU or really anything about it but rent in Oregon is getting really expensive. COL at OSU would definitely be higher than WSU IMO. How significant of a difference probably would depend on what you want/need in a living situation.

COL in Ft. Collins compared to Pullman is quite different. I mean obviously if you're lucky you can find cheap stuff for the right price. On average though a one bedroom apt at CSu is going to run $1200/mo while you can find the same for about $700/ mo in Pullman.

 

[SkiOtter]

No. In fact it’s definitely less snowy. Harsh winters aren’t common around here at all.

Ft. Collins was super balmy when they visited CO tends to like to fool people in that regard. As far as weather I can promise Ft Collins can probably be way more cold and snowy than Pullman given the right day. CO native here.

Okay I thought so. I really didn’t think WA was gonna be snowier and colder than CO hahaha
I just wasn’t sure if I was crazy or something for thinking that

 

[JaynaAli]

This is just my opinion, but if I was in a situation where my parents were able to give me a $313,000 gift, and I had the opportunity to only use $205,000 and give my (presumably middle age to older, 50-60ish) parents $100,000 back (well, technically just not spend/take that) so that they can enjoy their child-free golden years and/or save more for the inevitable health concerns and their retirement, 100% I would do it. I understand wanting to be happy where you are, but any accredited school will produce an adequate veterinarian and personally, I can deal with living in a less than ideal place for four years in order to do that for my parents, who I know have made big sacrifices for me in the past.

 

[SkiOtter]

This is just my opinion, but if I was in a situation where my parents were able to give me a $313,000 gift, and I had the opportunity to only use 205,000 and give my (presumably middle age to older, 50-60ish) parents $100,000 back (well, technically just not spend/take that) so that they can enjoy their child-free golden years and/or save more for the inevitable health concerns and their retirement, 100% I would do it. I understand wanting to be happy where you are, but any accredited school will produce an adequate veterinarian and personally, I can deal with living in a less than ideal place for four years in order to do that for my parents.

Agreed 100%

 

[MixedAnimals77]

Okay I thought so. I really didn’t think WA was gonna be snowier and colder than CO hahaha
I just wasn’t sure if I was crazy or something for thinking that

Haha yeah I think one day it got to like 60 and sunny I don't remember but we've been having a super mild winter which while seems great really sucks because that means we are probably headed for another drought and definitely a huge wildfire season.

 

[Caiter92]

COL in Ft. Collins compared to Pullman is quite different. I mean obviously if you're lucky you can find cheap stuff for the right price. On average though a one bedroom apt at CSu is going to run $1200/mo while you can find the same for about $700/ mo in Pullman.

Yep. And $700 will be high. I live in a one bedroom and pay $550 including W/S/G and hot water, and you can find plenty cheaper if you go private landlords, or have a roommate.

 

[MixedAnimals77]

I know everyone has gave their 2c but I'll give you mine as someone with an IS CSU acceptance and that applied to WSU as an OSS which seems like the 2 schools you're most struggling with. If I get an acceptance to WSU that's where I'm going. CSU is one of the least state supported schools in the country. That means that average tuition rise of 7.5% is probably going to continue. That means by the time we graduate tuition should look somewhere around 45K/yr. WSU on the other hand has more state support and their tuition has gone up minimal in comparison to CSU. If WSU tuition goes up per history they're only looking at about 27K/yr if I'm remembering correctly by the time we graduate. I have an amazing support system here at home and am extremely close with my parents but for the sake of not drowning in debt later if I get into WSU that's where I'll go. Remember too that although Pullman seems isolated it's really not. Spokane is only 1.5 hrs away and couerdalene is 2 hrs away. Which really is comparable to Ft. Collins and Denver. Although on maps Denver and Ft. Collins are super close factor in traffic on a given time and day and it'll easily take 2 hrs to get to Denver. Remember too you'll get the education you want no matter where you go because at this level you're the one uncharged of your education. Did you have a specific interest in mind? I might be able to help you in talking through that portion too in relation to each school.

 

[clinicalscience808]

Did you have a specific interest in mind? I might be able to help you in talking through that portion too in relation to each school.

Hi! Thanks again for everyone's input. As far as interests go, the two are very comparable in my eyes. I was thinking of possibly specializing in about a million different fields, the top few being radiology, ophthalmology, dentistry, or dermatology. However, if I get WICHE I have to come back to my state right after graduation so I might not be able to specialize right away. Looking at the two school's curriculums, I am pretty sure they both have those fields, whether the specialist is on campus or neighboring.

As far as weather goes, my uncle lives in Colorado Springs and he gets a ton of sun. For my undergrad I was at Cornell and basically between December and March there were only a few days of actual sun, the rest was all clouds or snow. Also, Colorado to me has a much nicer winter than the coasts since its drier, so the cold doesn't sink into your bones as much. I'm worried that WSU will be similar to Cornell's weather and isolation (although it is true that Pullman is close to Spokane and Coeur D'leane I've heard you won't get up there much). For CSU, I know that Fort Collins has plenty to offer in itself.

COL would most likely work out to be the same in both places for me overall. That's only because at CSU I would plan on getting a roommate and at WSU I would most likely live by myself so rent would work out the the same. I don't really prefer one over the other so in general COL isn't a huge point for me.

Lastly, as far as my parents paying, they'll pay about the same amount no matter what school I go to overall. They're planning on paying what they can, and I'm willing to take on loans for the rest. So really, I would be putting myself in either a small or big hole after I graduate. I know CSU has some great repayment plans mainly because I have a friend that goes there (which may also have swayed my decision) but I know I should take the least loans possible.

You guys were saying you can put a DP for multiple schools? How exactly does that work? Since I'll be waiting quite a while for the WICHE spots to be announced, I don't want to lose my spot but I don't really know how the "reservations" work.

 

[KCgophervet]

Lastly, as far as my parents paying, they'll pay about the same amount no matter what school I go to overall. They're planning on paying what they can, and I'm willing to take on loans for the rest. So really, I would be putting myself in either a small or big hole after I graduate. I know CSU has some great repayment plans mainly because I have a friend that goes there (which may also have swayed my decision) but I know I should take the least loans possible.

You guys were saying you can put a DP for multiple schools? How exactly does that work? Since I'll be waiting quite a while for the WICHE spots to be announced, I don't want to lose my spot but I don't really know how the "reservations" work.

The repayment plans do not depend on the school you go to, but the loans you take out. If you take out federal loans (which most do), the repayment options will be the same no matter what school you go to.

If you put in a deposit it means the school will hold your spot for you. Theoretically you could put down deposits for both schools until you find out whether or not you get a WICHE spot and then decide which school to actually attend. They're typically non-refundable though, so the deposit you put down at the other school will be forfeit.

 

[twelvetigers]

I think the repayment plans are the same no matter what school you go to... income based, term-based, and a couple of PAYE options. Federal loans all have the same sort of payback programs.

Edit: Kcough beat me to it, but yanno

 

[Caiter92]

Hi! Thanks again for everyone's input. As far as interests go, the two are very comparable in my eyes. I was thinking of possibly specializing in about a million different fields, the top few being radiology, ophthalmology, dentistry, or dermatology. However, if I get WICHE I have to come back to my state right after graduation so I might not be able to specialize right away. Looking at the two school's curriculums, I am pretty sure they both have those fields, whether the specialist is on campus or neighboring.

As far as weather goes, my uncle lives in Colorado Springs and he gets a ton of sun. For my undergrad I was at Cornell and basically between December and March there were only a few days of actual sun, the rest was all clouds or snow. Also, Colorado to me has a much nicer winter than the coasts since its drier, so the cold doesn't sink into your bones as much. I'm worried that WSU will be similar to Cornell's weather and isolation (although it is true that Pullman is close to Spokane and Coeur D'leane I've heard you won't get up there much). For CSU, I know that Fort Collins has plenty to offer in itself.

COL would most likely work out to be the same in both places for me overall. That's only because at CSU I would plan on getting a roommate and at WSU I would most likely live by myself so rent would work out the the same. I don't really prefer one over the other so in general COL isn't a huge point for me.

Lastly, as far as my parents paying, they'll pay about the same amount no matter what school I go to overall. They're planning on paying what they can, and I'm willing to take on loans for the rest. So really, I would be putting myself in either a small or big hole after I graduate. I know CSU has some great repayment plans mainly because I have a friend that goes there (which may also have swayed my decision) but I know I should take the least loans possible.

You guys were saying you can put a DP for multiple schools? How exactly does that work? Since I'll be waiting quite a while for the WICHE spots to be announced, I don't want to lose my spot but I don't really know how the "reservations" work.

For Pullman: the weather won’t be like Cornell at all. I promise. I have a friend that went there for undergrad and it’s much harsher. Pullman you’re looking at 30-40s all winter. Occasionally colder than that, but not often. We’ve had plenty of 50s and up this month too. It’s also not on the coast. This is as far inland as you can get in WA (6 hours from the coast). CO will be overall colder, and really won’t be any drier of a winter than here.

Also, if you’re concerned with having to go back to your home state, WSU would be the better choice for you. Even if you get WICHE funding, you can refuse it and be OOS the first year and get IS after. So you wouldn’t have to go back to your home state.

OSU, WSU, and CSU are all about the same level of “isolation”, so that’s a moot point.

If weather is your primary concern (which it’s soundig like it is), it seems like you’re really having to reach to find reasons to justify the higher expense. I get wanting to go to your dream school, but they’ll all get you a great education and set you up to succeed later. It’s a matter of what financial position you’ll be in when you’re done.

 

[meningealworm]

Cost should absolutely be a big factor into your decision, but especially if you get WICHE funding, don't discount the other factors either. Being somewhere you hate for 4 years is not going to make vet school easier. Consider other things too, like curriculum (Western is a lot of PBL, if I recall correctly), class size (OSU is small, CSU is big), and access to specialties you're interested in. Yes, vet school is what you make it, but set yourself up to succeed in the environment that YOU want. Make the choice that is the best for you, not because others tell you where you should go.

 

[nohika]

If weather is your primary concern (which it’s soundig like it is), it seems like you’re really having to reach to find reasons to justify the higher expense. I get wanting to go to your dream school, but they’ll all get you a great education and set you up to succeed later. It’s a matter of what financial position you’ll be in when you’re done.

It sort of comes across as if you've decided on CSU and you're trying to get people to agree with your decision. :/

I agree with the others. Go with the lowest cost. If you need to visit the places a couple times to check out the actual weather, do it.

 

[clinicalscience808]

It sort of comes across as if you've decided on CSU and you're trying to get people to agree with your decision. :/

I agree with the others. Go with the lowest cost. If you need to visit the places a couple times to check out the actual weather, do it.

I really want to be set on CSU, but I can't be 100% comfortable with the decision because of everything I said. Of course I would love it if people said go with CSU but I asked the question to get honest opinions from people in DVM programs. I have visited CSU twice and WSU once, both very briefly. It may be that I caught them on bad days but WSU was cloudy and around 35 for several days in March when I visited which seems quite cold. When I visited CSU in March and again in January it was in the teens and 20s in the morning/night but was sunny every day but one (out of 5) and got up to 40-50 during the day. I'm still debating a lot and it's nice to have other people's opinions on it.

For those who know Pullman weather, you said it's 30-40 but is it cloudy or overcast most days? I looked up the weather and it seems cloudy a lot but weather apps are notorious for being wrong.

 

[SkiOtter]

Lastly, as far as my parents paying, they'll pay about the same amount no matter what school I go to overall. They're planning on paying what they can, and I'm willing to take on loans for the rest.

Okay but think of it this way
Would you rather dig yourself in a deep deep hole that will take you 2-3 times longer to dig yourself out of? Or go to a cheaper school and be able to pay your loans off a lot quicker and then be debt free faster and not have to have tens of thousands of dollars looming over your head?

 

[DVMDream]

I really want to be set on CSU, but I can't be 100% comfortable with the decision because of everything I said. Of course I would love it if people said go with CSU but I asked the question to get honest opinions from people in DVM programs. I have visited CSU twice and WSU once, both very briefly. It may be that I caught them on bad days but WSU was cloudy and around 35 for several days in March when I visited which seems quite cold. When I visited CSU in March and again in January it was in the teens and 20s in the morning/night but was sunny every day but one (out of 5) and got up to 40-50 during the day. I'm still debating a lot and it's nice to have other people's opinions on it.

For those who know Pullman weather, you said it's 30-40 but is it cloudy or overcast most days? I looked up the weather and it seems cloudy a lot but weather apps are notorious for being wrong.

Is it worth $100-150,000 just to avoid a few cloudy days? Just think of that. That seems to be the one thing you are most caught up about. I can guarantee that Colorado will get colder at times than Pullman, Washington.

 

[WildZoo]

Five years down the line from graduation you're probably not going to care about or even remember what the weather was like while you were in school. But you're sure as hell going to care about the loans you're having to pay off. We stress that aspect so much around here because it is the aspect that will have the most lasting affect on you personally and even on your career.

If you haven't already I would also check out the factors when choosing a school thread and see what previous students have said about the schools you're applying to, if you wanted to look at some other factors. But that being said, I'm in agreement with that most people here have said. I can't think of a single thing about any school that is worth an extra 100k+ in debt.

 

[bryndiana.jones]

My sister lives in Colorado Springs and I can guarantee you Fort Collins gets WAY colder with more snow than Colorado Springs does. That's exactly why she moved to CS for her gap year instead of living in Fort Collins. I would say CO will be more harsh for winter for sure, not that weather should really be a deciding factor. Like everyone else, I would advise you go with the cheaper option, you can suffer through a crummy location for 4 years (coming from someone who currently HATES where they live (for undergrad) and can't wait to gtfo).

 

[PrincessButterCup]

The weather here is not that bad. It's not. We have more humidity than I grew up with (I'm from the high desert) but locals love the area for it's low humidity - so your mileage will vary. We have some really snowy winters (like last year) but it's usually fairly mild in terms of temperature and snow fall (like this year) - so it really depends on the year. Winter has a good number of gloomy days, yes, but a good number of sunny days, too. Summer and fall are my favorite, and we tend to have a really long autumn. The weather doesn't turn "bad" until Thanksgiving, and then it's pretty spring-like by February.

Can you handle 2 - 2.5 months of semi-gloomy winter weather in order to save 100k?

 

[buggymanatee]

I'm a current first-year student at Oregon State. In terms of weather, we have been very lucky this year so far! Most days are either overcast or sunny, sometimes a mix of both. When it rains, it only drizzles and we are in class most of the day anyways... seriously, you will be in class or inside studying a lot, so the weather shouldn't even be an issue, haha. I suggest loading up on socks and cozy onesies now.

I moved from Florida to attend school at Oregon State. I like to get outside pretty often and have found there is a lot to do around here if you seek it out! Downtown is really close by, and is filled with small, local businesses! We are 45 minutes from the coast and about 2 hours from the mountains. There are plenty of hills and trails to explore, but they are definitely muddy. Like I said, it seems like we have been lucky with the weather this year, but that doesn't mean the ground is dry. Temperatures have been very mild over the past few weeks, ranging between the 40s and high 50s.

You will be in class or studying A LOT. I wouldn't let the weather at any of the schools get you down too much. It really is what you make it. Stay indoors when its gloomy; study, talk with friends, call your family, distract yourself. It is important to not dwell on the weather while you're out at school doing big things and living your dream! You need to pick the school that is the most affordable AND that has a location that you will be happy living in for the next four years. That is my advice

I would also suggest speaking with people from each of the schools you are interested in, and visiting them all if you are able to! When I went to OSU for Open Days, I fell in love. It is a small school, but I am comfortable and happy here. Everyone is different and has different preferences.

Congrats on getting in, by the way!

 

[love2hunt]

There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing . You can buy some pretty dang nice warm and weatherproof clothing for a lot less than $100k.

 

[britzen]

But if they get WICHE funding, they would be paying IS tuition. It would also be useful to see the cost difference there. I know IS tuition for OSU and WSU is about 25k per year. It looks like CSU is about 30-32k per year IS.

In state cost-estimates if paid out of pocket up front, per the VIN cost of education map for an in-state student (not including interest that accrues on any loans!):
OSU: $168,689
WSU: $173,425
CSU: $217,108
Western: $300,000+ still (no in-state discount)

REAL cost has to include interest though. CSU is straight up ~$44,863.04 more expensive than WSU even if you have WICHE status in both states. If you only borrow that amount, you will end up paying ~ $74,163.60 over a 10 year repayment or $108,117.00 if you do the 25 year income-based repayment (*calculated by borrowing an equal amount each semester with capitalizing interest on current rates for non-subsidized stafford loans and including the 6 month deferment granted after graduation). That's a lot bigger difference than just the different in tuition costs.

The other kicker with WICHE is, to my understanding, that you have to return to your state of residence to practice for a number of years after graduation (assume 3-4 years, I honestly haven't looked into WICHE much because, despite 27 years of Oregon residency, I'm no longer eligible *grumble grumble*).

Some considerations for @clinicalscience808:

1. With WSU you could change to in-state tuition regardless after 1 year and not need to tie yourself to a specific location after graduation, so that's a consideration if you want to specialize later on because you may have to delay that training while you fulfill your WICHE requirements.

2. Also think about what the interest will be doing to the true cost of your loans and weigh that total cost against any happiness you may gain from attending CSU over WSU or OSU.

If you would truly be miserably unhappy in one place, you may decide that your mental health for 4 years is worth that. You should also compare that boost in mental health during school to the negative effects of debt after you graduate: being tied to your home state, potentially not being able to specialize if you want to, potentially delaying buying a house, taking vacations, having kids, or whatever else you might want that ~$7,500 dollars per year could buy you. Does the happiness gained from CSU outweigh the unhappiness of other set backs down the road? That's totally up to you, but the consensus from most of the practicing veterinarians here seems to be that all that later stuff is worth avoiding even if you don't go to your dream school.

3. If you think you want to do a internship or residency, the money matters will probably become a significant consideration for you as will the ability to not be tied to a specific state. Interns and residents make terrible money compared to debt loads - I've seen rates at ~$30,000 a year for interns and ~$50,000 a year for residents, and some are near major metro areas with very high costs of living. Not sure that's true for every residency and specialty, but your income will definitely be lower than industry average and you probably won't be able to make student loan payments easily, or more likely at all, while an intern or a resident.

So, chances are you would have to delay paying your loans for 3-5 years to specialize, and your loans will keep racking up interest in the meantime. If you graduate from CSU, deferring loans that amount to just the cost difference for CSU for four years, your total repayment will jump from ~ $74,163.60 to ~$93,903.60 for a 10 year repayment, or from $108,117.00 to $141,588.00 if you do a 25 year repayment. That's not an insurmountable amount of debt, but it is a LOT of money, especially if you have other viable options.

 

[britzen]

A note on the weather, per the "comfort index" of each city, they are actually about the same (69 for Pullman vs. 71 for Fort Collins) Pullman is a little warmer overall, with what looks like substantially milder winters, but CSU gets more sun, so it depends on what you'd rather live with I suppose: clouds or cold.

Here's the annual data for each place:

Pullman:
Rainfall ~20 inches
Snowfall ~35 inches
Rainy/Snowy days: ~65 days
Sunny days: ~172 days
UV index = 3
Hottest month avg high/low: 84/50
Coldest month avg high/low: 37/26
"Comfort index" = 69

Fort Collins:
Rainfall ~16 inches
Snowfall ~ 49 inches
Rainy/Snowy days: ~36
Sunny days: ~237
UV index: 4.7
Hottest month avg high/low: 87/58 F
Coldest month avg high/low: 44/18 F
"Comfort index" = 71

Make of it what you will... You'll get about 65 extra sunny days per year in Fort Collins if that really matters to you.

 

[pinkpuppy9]

There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing . You can buy some pretty dang nice warm and weatherproof clothing for a lot less than $100k.

Also that vet school is only 4 years. Weather is a moot point when there such a substantial tuition difference.

How much time does a vet student actually spend outside anyways?

 

[Caiter92]

Just for ****s and giggles....

Ithaca, NY:
Rainfall ~35 inches
Snowfall ~ 64 inches
Rainy/Snowy days: ~87
Sunny days: ~155
UV index: 3.2
Hottest month avg high: 81 F
Coldest month avg low: 16 F
"Comfort index" = 44

Again, Pullman is nothing like the weather you're worried about from Cornell.

 

[britzen]

Just for ****s and giggles....

Ithica, NY:
Rainfall ~35 inches
Snowfall ~ 64 inches
Rainy/Snowy days: ~87
Sunny days: ~155
UV index: 3.2
Hottest month avg high: 81 F
Coldest month avg low: 16 F
"Comfort index" = 44

Again, Pullman is nothing like the weather you're worried about from Cornell.

Comfort of 44? Yikes! That's worse than Chicago and Chicago was rough in the winter.

ETA: I was like "I wonder what the worst comfort index in America is... I bet it's Barrow, Alaska!" Comfort Index of Barrow = 1.

 

[Caiter92]

Comfort of 44? Yikes! That's worse than Chicago and Chicago was rough in the winter.

ETA: I was like "I wonder what the worst comfort index in America is... I bet it's Barrow, Alaska!" Comfort Index of Barrow = 1.

hahhaha number 1 means it's the best place to live, right

 

[britzen]

hahhaha number 1 means it's the best place to live, right

Totes.

PS - the veterinary clinic there is hiring, any takers for $130K per year?

(indeed.com really wants me to work there... it keeps suggesting it to me )

 

[SkiOtter]

Totes.

PS - the veterinary clinic there is hiring, any takers for $130K per year?

(indeed.com really wants me to work there... it keeps suggesting it to me )

I wonder if it’s part of the VMLRP

 

[ziggyandjazzy]

The other kicker with WICHE is, to my understanding, that you have to return to your state of residence to practice for a number of years after graduation (assume 3-4 years, I honestly haven't looked into WICHE much because, despite 27 years of Oregon residency, I'm no longer eligible *grumble grumble*).

What do you mean by this?? Did Oregon used to do WICHE for its own residents? I'm confused.
Edit: I saw somewhere else you said you were IS for Va? How can you be if you've lived in Oregon that long? Even more confused now

 

[ziggyandjazzy]

Also that vet school is only 4 years. Weather is a moot point when there such a substantial tuition difference.

How much time does a vet student actually spend outside anyways?

I was just sad that a lot of the classrooms I saw in vet schools have no windows. Made me sad AF to think about all the hours I will spend in there without even being able to look outside lol.

 

[pinkpuppy9]

I was just sad that a lot of the classrooms I saw in vet schools have no windows. Made me sad AF to think about all the hours I will spend in there without even being able to look outside lol.

Ours don't. Our school actually looks like a prison too. Something about 1980s era construction, when they didn't care about aesthetics.

 

[WildZoo]

Our first year classroom is a storm shelter...

 

[buggymanatee]

I was just sad that a lot of the classrooms I saw in vet schools have no windows. Made me sad AF to think about all the hours I will spend in there without even being able to look outside lol.

As of right now, the Oregon State classrooms do not have windows, but you do normally get a 10 minute break every 50 minutes so you can go outside and get some fresh air, coffee, etc. With the expansion, I think the new classroom will have windows! Yayyyy! Some of the labs and conference rooms do have windows though, haha.

 

[Caiter92]

I've never had windows in a lecture hall... even in undergrad. Is this a thing? They were only in small classrooms or labs.

 

[Caiter92]

Many of the classrooms and labs at my undergrad had at least a few large windows, for whatever it's worth. The vet school feels like downright dungeonlike in comparison.

I went to a huge undergrad, and even our small lecture halls were 100 people (we also have a 700 one haha). Maybe that's why. Classrooms and labs had windows, but those were in different buildings or on higher floors than the lecture halls.

 

[PrincessButterCup]

A lot of my smaller classes didn't have windows, either. Even in the newer buildings. I guess that wasn't a huge consideration when they were designing campus.