University of Colorado School of Medicine vs University of Arizona - Phoenix

[teddybear6078]

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Colorado School of Medicine​

Pros:

1. Location – I am super excited about living in Colorado! I love the outdoors and the outer Denver area is really conducive to that. This would be my first move from a desert climate, so I don’t have much experience with living in snow. However, I think it would be manageable. I love to ski, bike, and hike, which are all activities that are pretty accessible from Denver. I also am excited about having seasons and colder weather! There is also a decent job scene for my significant other, who is also excited about living there.
2. Longitudinal Integrated Clerkships – I don’t know if this counts as a pro or a con, but it is a unique feature of the school that students and faculty enjoy. I appreciate the opportunity to spend more time with specific attendings and have a solid schedule for a year. However, I worry about SHELF exams and having time to explore specialties outside of the rotation list. Faculty have mentioned that these opportunities are easily accessible - so that is promising.
3. Prestige – University of Colorado seems to have a strong reputation in the medical community, specifically with primary care. I have also heard that their research is very strong. I am hoping that this reputation would serve me well in residency.
4. Connections - The students I have spoken to have all mentioned how supportive and accessible the faculty are at CU. They mentioned that it is very easy to get involved with extra projects and make connections with faculty at the school and at rotations sites.

Cons:

1. Tuition – My primary concern is the tuition. Out of state tuition is 25K/year (potentially more with aid from in-state school) more than my other option and I would have to take out a loan to afford CU. There are some scholarships available, but not many, and the financial aid package has not been released yet. While it is doable to repay loans, this is a big concern.
2. Support System – I will be much farther away from my family if I choose to go to CU. While I feel ready to move, I know medical school can be really hard and my support system won’t be as easily accessible.
3. Pre-Clerkship - CU has a 1 year pre-clinical phase. While many students have said that 1 year is enough time to grasp a strong understanding of the concepts tested on Step 1, it is shorter than other programs. CU does have another 3-4 month block before taking Step 1 and Step 2 that reviews certain concepts more in depth which could mitigate this issue.

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University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix​

Pros:

1. Tuition – I will have in-state tuition, which is roughly 25K cheaper annually. The medical school also has a tuition reimbursement for employees, which could further reduce tuition. It would be great to start residency without any debt!
2. Clinical Rotation Sites – Students at UA-COMP have the opportunity to rotate through the Mayo clinic, as well as other renowned sites (Barrow Neuro, Phoenix Children’s).
3. Simulation Lab - They have a new simulation lab that appears to be extremely exciting! This was my favorite part of the interview day and I am excited to work and learn there.
4. Schedule/Breaks – The schedule seems really conducive to understanding material well (1.5 year preclinical phase) while also having time away from school. There is a fall, winter, spring, and summer break for MS1s!
5. Support System – My family will only be 1.5 hours away, which would make it much more convenient to see them and have their support.

Cons:

1. Location – Having lived in Arizona the majority of our life, I am excited for a change out of the state. Phoenix has a very lively nightlife, but it can be extremely hot and there are limitations for more outdoorsy activities. This is probably my biggest drawback.
2. Research – Being a smaller and newer campus, I would imagine that they do not receive as much research funding as their counterpart in Tucson. Research is exciting and important to me, and I want to be at a school with plenty of opportunities.
3. Smaller Campus – The campus is much smaller (1-2 main buildings) than CUSOM. However, they are working to expand.
4. Prestige – UA - COMP is a newer medical school, and they have chosen to remain unranked. Thus, it is difficult to have a direct read on the prestige of the medical school. Prestige can only mean so much, but it felt worth noting.

One side note: I was also accepted to University of Arizona Tucson, so if you have any thoughts on that - let me know!

Overall, I would move to Colorado in a heartbeat for the location alone. However, the tuition concerns me. I could definitely see myself at UA-COMP, but I have hesitations of living in Phoenix. Thank you!

 

[The OTC]

Disclaimer: A at UA-PHX

What specialty(s) are you interested in? Definitely recommend checking out the 2025 Match List for each to see how they match in your areas of interest.

Have your SO and you talked about where you want to be for residency?

I think if you and your SO are committed to the tuition reimbursement program, UAPHX is the move. No debt is so huge for both of your financial freedom. Yes, more time in Phoenix but the world is your oyster if you go to residency with zero debt. The state of loans is troubling and who knows what the rate will be in July (could be higher than the 9% rn)

If you don’t want to pursue the program, go live out your dream in Colorado and just make sure you two have a solid financial plan!

 

[The OTC]

Disclaimer: A at UA-PHX

What specialty(s) are you interested in? Definitely recommend checking out the 2025 Match List for each to see how they match in your areas of interest.

Have your SO and you talked about where you want to be for residency?

I think if you and your SO are committed to the tuition reimbursement program, UAPHX is the move. No debt is so huge for both of your financial freedom. Yes, more time in Phoenix but the world is your oyster if you go to residency with zero debt. The state of loans is troubling and who knows what the rate will be in July (could be higher than the 9% rn)

If you don’t want to pursue the program, go live out your dream in Colorado and just make sure you two have a solid financial plan!

Last shpeel:
UA is super supportive and faculty will go to bat for you, having spoken with some students. You will be well taken care of and can match at a pretty high caliber if you want it.

 

[teddybear6078]

Disclaimer: A at UA-PHX

What specialty(s) are you interested in? Definitely recommend checking out the 2025 Match List for each to see how they match in your areas of interest.

Have your SO and you talked about where you want to be for residency?

I think if you and your SO are committed to the tuition reimbursement program, UAPHX is the move. No debt is so huge for both of your financial freedom. Yes, more time in Phoenix but the world is your oyster if you go to residency with zero debt. The state of loans is troubling and who knows what the rate will be in July (could be higher than the 9% rn)

If you don’t want to pursue the program, go live out your dream in Colorado and just make sure you two have a solid financial plan!

I am currently interested in pediatric ortho, but I know that can change drastically in medical school. We haven't talked specific locations for residency, but we both would prefer to be on the West Coast. I really appreciate your input - thank you!

 

[The OTC]

Wow that’s funny me too!

I think both schools can get you to quality ortho programs. UAPHX had quite a few ortho matches this year in CA and AZ. Their PD loves seems to love their students. I would rest easy knowing either program could get you where you want to go. Just focus on $ vs desired location. Best of luck!

 

[deleted1190059]

Ultimately the tuition difference isn't big enough to sacrifice what you really want to do/your hopes for your future. It seems like you really want to go to CU based on reading this. Both are great schools though, but I feel like med school is the time to jump out of your comfort zone and explore a different lifestyle if that's something you've always wanted to do

 

[deleted1214988]

I would also say Colorado! Although I didn't get into Phoenix, had a friend who attend the event last week and said it wasn't his favorite. Especially because those summers get very hot too. Where are you leaning towards?