UPenn vs. NYU

[Arrp213]

Non-Factors:
-Both have similar curricula, non-mandatory lectures, and educational quality
-Both serve diverse populations
-No preference for class size

UPenn:
COA = ~$360k (~$100k loans)
Pros
-Better, more stable reputation (I want to go into academic medicine, so this might be important?)
-Liked the vibe of the students
-Seemed less stressful
-Better dual-degree opportunities (might want one later)

Cons
-Slightly worse location
-Way more expensive, but manageable

NYU:
COA = ~$120k (no loans)
Pros
-Way cheaper
-Better location
-Reputation is nothing to scoff at

Cons
-Students seemed more stressed?
-Reputation seems shakier, and noticeably lower than Penn's (albeit not by much)

TLDR: UPenn has a better reputation and seems less stressful. Unclear how important finances are; ~$100k loans might not be too bad for a higher-paying specialty.

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[meronebib]

Not worth 100k more to go to UPenn. NYU won’t preclude you from the “exclusive” academic medicine. Also I’m assuming you have family helping you with UPenn’s tuition, since you say COA is 360k? Save them that additional amount of money and ask them to buy you a car. Or rent a fancier apartment in NYC 😉

 

[papercutscissors]

I would go with NYU. That's a significant cost difference (but not huge), and NYU's reputation certainly will not close any doors. Plus, you'll get to spend 4 years in arguably the most vibrant city in the world 😉

 

[Arrp213]

Who pays the $260k at Penn?

Parents (pretty financially well-off)

 

[lalalallala]

If the money was equal I'd pick Penn but it is def not so I would go with NYU

 

[ArdorAyurveda]

Will you parents DEFINITELY pay that 260k?

If so, go to Penn. You said it yourself, you will be less stressed out and you think the reputation is better. Money does not seem to be an issue for you, so I would go with Penn in our situation.

 

[Rebecca1995]

Hey! I was accepted last minute to NYU and turned down my acceptance to Penn, which is where I was planning to go. I was in a similar position where my parents were going to front a significant amount of money for Penn, but it still didn’t feel remotely worth it for me in the long run to take out extra loans to cover the rest. I felt like it was a very easy decision, since there is ultimately a small functional difference (if any) in prestige between the 2 schools. And the NYU class this year will be filled with people poached from schools like Penn, so the quality of your classmates will be identical. Think of your quality of life for the next 4 years, with THAT much extra money in your pocket and with the best city at your fingertips. Come to NYU 🙂 🙂