Wayne State vs. Western Michigan

[juicyfruit22]

Hey everyone, I would really appreciate some outside input as to where I should go. Some background info on me is that I am a Michigan resident and have a spouse. I am most interested in pursuing ortho, gen surg, or EM.

Wayne State
Pros:

• Tuition cost. I haven't received a financial aid offer yet, but tuition is ~$34,000 a year.
• Greater clinical exposure....very diverse and underserved patient population.
• More home residency programs.

Cons:

• Cost of living is higher
• Class size is huge (~300)
• Interview day was a disorganized mess. We fell way behind schedule very early on, had minimal time with admissions personnel and current students, and barely saw the school.
• Have heard the administration isn't great. Although, they have a new dean, so maybe they will turn things around?
• Detroit isn't exactly the most enticing place to live given the current COVID-19 situation. My spouse is a RN and isn't super pumped about the idea of working in Detroit at the moment.
• Further from home, support system (~3 hours).

Western Michigan
Pros

• Class size is super small (84 students)
• Decompressed curriculum with 1 week breaks between blocks for vacation, electives, or catching up on material.
• Very responsive and involved administration. We were able to spend significant time with some of them on interview day, and they were all fantastic.
• Interview day was awesome, by far my favorite of the cycle.
• Facilities are gorgeous.
• Close to home, support system (~1 hour).
• Home residency programs in ortho and EM

Cons

• Tuition is ~$63,000 per year. Yikes.
• Less diverse patient population.
• Newer school, less established. They've had solid matches, though.

Summary: I loved Western Michigan, but the tuition cost is keeping me from pulling the trigger. Do you think the differences between these schools warrants the added cost? It'll cost me roughly $120,000 more to attend Western Michigan. What would you do? Any advice is greatly appreciated!

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[libertyyne]

Wmu has less research, lower number of residency positions , and is more expensive. If you would like to stay close to home that is a fair argument for it. But it is not an objectively better choice .

 

[deleted850921]

You also talk of COL being higher by Wayne State. What’s the total COA for both schools if you calculate it?

If it’s still the way it is with a 120k difference, then Wayne State. I really liked Western Michigan as well, but 120k is just too big a cost to justify here

 

[Zen Arcade]

Wayne is way cheaper and more established, I’d for sure go there.

 

[juicyfruit22]

You also talk of COL being higher by Wayne State. What’s the total COA for both schools if you calculate it?

If it’s still the way it is with a 120k difference, then Wayne State. I really liked Western Michigan as well, but 120k is just too big a cost to justify here

With COL factored in, its roughly 100k. So still a lot

 

[deleted850921]

With COL factored in, its roughly 100k. So still a lot

Wayne state it is then. Although it may be worth asking Western Michigan that you really like them and if it’s possible for any further finaid Bc you have a cheaper option.

 

[juicyfruit22]

Wayne state it is then. Although it may be worth asking Western Michigan that you really like them and if it’s possible for any further finaid Bc you have a cheaper option.

Yeah, I was thinking that it wouldn't hurt to ask at least. Thanks for sharing your opinion!