<p>I'm trying to decide between microbiology programs at Loyola University in Chicago and Michigan State University. I really want to stay in Chicago, but Loyola is not ranked as high, and is a much much smaller school. Michigan has all state of the art facilities, and a HUGE microbiology department. </p>
<p>Is it better to go to a big school instead of a small school?? I'm kind of afraid of going to a smaller school, because they will not be as well funded. How could this decision affect my future in the long run?? </p>
<p>ANY input will be much appreciated!</p>
<p>The microbiology department at Michigan State received 2.6 million dollars in funds from the NIH last year. Loyola received 2.4 million dollars in funds last year.
NIH</a> Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tool (RePORT)</p>
<p>Loyola has five bacteriologists (4 with labs), three virologists and 11 immunologists. The immunologists seem to research tumor immunology (3), transplant immunology (1), B/T cell development (3) or mucosal immunity. Do these topics appeal to you? Do you think that this will be a good fit? If you want to study the topics in bacteriology (antibiotic resistance, anthrax spore formation, symbiotic colonization or bacterial genetics) that are studied at Loyola or the topics in virology or immunology, this could be a great fit.</p>
<p>Michigan state seems to have molecular genetics, pathology, cancer biology, immunology, virology and bacteriology grouped together and thus has like 60 faculty members (interestingly 5 of them are emeritus, who don't bring in research funds). With so many people and not much more in NIH funding, I would be very careful about funding issues at Michigan State. Check out your prospective advisors to see what grants they have and when they expire.
CRISP</a> - Current and Historical Awards Query Form - NIH Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tool (RePORT)</p>
<p>Best of luck, and let us know how you decide.</p>
<p>Generally speaking, going to a smaller program carries more of a risk -- if you get there and discover that none of the PIs appeal to you, you don't have much of an outlet. On the other hand, smaller programs usually have fewer students, so each student is more visible and may receive more support and individual training.</p>
<p>Do you have a few PIs at Loyola with whom you know you'd be interested in working? If not, MSU is most likely a better choice.</p>
<p>There are definitely a few PIs at Loyola I would be interested in working with, but then again, Michigan would give me a lot more options. I had no idea Loyola received almost as much NIH funding last year for microbio as Michigan did. </p>
<p>I'm still undecided, but thanks to both of you for your input, it was VERY helpful!</p>