UMass vs ECU

[StarrySkies42]

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I've narrowed my choices down to these two schools, and I'm essentially trying to decide whether the extra 160k it will cost to attend UMass as an OOS student is worth it over ECU in-state. In all other aspects (class diversity, resources, location) I would rather attend UMass over ECU, but cost is a significant factor for me as my family net income will disqualify me from need-based aid. I'm undecided but interested in surgical specialties like ophtho/ENT/urology. Any advice would be much appreciated!

ECU Brody SOM
Pros

• Much cheaper (COA ~60k IS)
• NC resident, 4-ish hr drive home

Cons

• Fewer home residency programs (only 14, no ophtho/anesthesiology/urology etc)
• Generally less support/resources for research due to primary care mission
• Could rotate at Duke/UNC/Wake Forest
• Non-ideal location in Greenville, NC

UMass Chan SOM
Pros

• Diverse home residency programs (25 programs)
• Slightly more diverse match list by specialty (think 3 matched ophtho last year, versus only 1 at ECU, though UMass does have a strong primary care mission as well)
• Close to Boston, 2 hr flight home

Cons

• Expensive (COA ~100k OOS)
• Lots of funding came from NIH, uncertain of future due to budget cuts (esp with recent PHD admissions being rescinded)