So at this point, my serious contenders are Duke, Emory, Pitt, and UMD for Public Health on the pre-med track. Please help me! I want to save money but if I can miraculously negotiate for better aid, everyone’s thoughts will help on this matter.
PITT (25k/yr)
Pros
Medical school on campus, so internship opportunities + research
Accepted to Honors College
Cheapest option
Many ways for me to customize my education (certificates + minors)
Cons
I can’t major in Public Health directly. The closest major is Health Services, which I’m not hearing super great things about
Not too sure about Pittsburgh?
Granted, I need to learn more about Pitt.
UMD (27k/yr)
Pros
Second cheapest option
T20 Public Health school
Close to home
Possible options to intern/with research because of proximity to D.C and JHU.
Cons
Close to home. I’m really trying to get out of state. Like that was my #1 thing going in to this was to get OUT.
I’m afraid it’s going to feel like high school 2.0 with just the sheer amount of people who are also going from my high school
EMORY (39k/yr)
Pros
Right next to the CDC!!
In Atlanta, which is a city I’m excited to explore
Great and strong Human Health program
I can apply for scholarships as a sophomore
Cons
EXPENSIVE. Idk if they will budge on finances
Not sure how many resources/cultural centers there would be for me
Expensive 🥲
DUKE (45k/yr)
Pros
My top choice this entire time
Got in with a likely letter, was semifinalist for Robertson
So many ways to customize my education. I’d probably do Sociology with a co-major in Global Health
Many cultural centers
Made a lot of connections there already
Robust Global Health Institute and other similar opportunities like FOCUS and Baldwin Scholars
Cons
EXPENSIVE!!! The most expensive school by far. I can’t believe it
Durham, NC seems dry
Very expensive
Evidently, I am still doing research on these schools. PLEASE help! Also please give advice about negotiating aid… I need it
I hear HS 2.0 a lot. My S20 and S21 say it. If you go to UMD it won’t be that way. There’s 30k undergrads there from all states and many countries. Plus you’re close to DC. You pick your friends in college. Also, not a bad thing to be a car drive from home. Every now and then it’s nice to go home for a good meal, comfy bed, and a clean shower, especially after mid-terms.
If med-school is on the table then minimize costs. If you’re going into Public Health admin you’ll need an advanced degree which can be expensive.
Pitt is a great choice for anything medical. Look at other medical programs in the school if you don’t hear good things about about Health Services. There’s always multiple paths to reach your end destination. I’m a Pitt grad and currently live here.
I don’t know much about Duke other than we like Raleigh. If you can get Emory to offer more money that would be a great option. Beautiful campus with a med school and tons of research. It’s urban-ish but in a wealthy residential area outside of Atlanta. S20 goes to Georgia Tech and goes over there to eat and walk.
In some ways, kind of need to view it as “in for a Penny, in for a Pound”. Was in a similar situation where I had a state school option that was effectively free. Took the debt at Duke (was about $25k per) and couldn’t be happier with the decision. Opportunities coming out of Duke are second to none. I’d throw out Emory as the cost delta isn’t enough to justify in my mind (see quote above). If you are 100% convinced you’re going to grad school, would be a toss up, but if you think there’s even a chance you never go back, I’d pay the extra $ and go to Duke. For a lot of the best jobs coming out of school, you effectively need a stamp of approval (it’s not fair and speaks to income inequality in this country, but is true). If you’re going to get one at the grad level then that’s fine, but if you’re thinking you might not, would definitely go to Duke. Plus it seems like you really like the school. Biased obviously but throwing it out there