Of these 4 Indiana Colleges, which is best for me?

College Search & Selection
1

Hi, I am interested in pursuing cell biology here in Indiana (since in-state tuition is cheaper) and have narrowed my choices down to 4 Non-private colleges. I am thinking I will go on to grad school and try to get a masters, then Ph.D in Molecular Genetics, as that is my interest right now. i also know that with a Bachelor in Science, i can not do research yet; i could only get a job as a Lab Tech. The colleges that I am interested in from most to least are:

  1. Purdue
  2. Cell Biology
  3. IUPUI (Indy Univ.-Purdue Univ.-Indy)
  4. Indiana University

My reasoning for this is because Purdue and Ball State are the only 2 state colleges in Indiana that offer Cell Biology undergrad degrees (B.S.C.B.), but, stereotypically, Ball state is known more of their English/media degrees and Purdue is known more for their Engineering (DEFINATLY!) and science (At least the best in my opinion), so I value Purdue more than Ball State. As for IUPUI, hey do not offer cell biology, but since they are affiliated with Purdue (iu-PU-i), I could take generals there that link (more) perfectly (than any other college) with Purdue and transfer those credits and courses to Purdue, but it is risky because I would only be going there to transfer to Purdue, not to graduate from there. That is why I consider it 3rd instead of 2ed; there’s no guarantee I will be accepted as a transfer to Purdue after all.

Finally, for your sakes (sorry for the length) there is Indiana University. I do know that, here in Indiana, they are more known for their Biology programs then Purdue is (great in all sciences), but from what I researched, it is more general biology and it is harder to get a job with just general biology than a more specific field, like neuroscience or botany, so I don’t think it would be as great as Cell Biology. On the other hand though, while I believe I may go to grad school, the only job I could get with an undergraduate degree in science is, again, as a Lab Technician, so it may not matter wether I get a degree in CB or Bio if I am to wind up in the same job anyway. If IU is cheaper (P-$20,000 room and board and tuition per year, IU-$16,000room and board and tuition per year), maybe it would be better for me, but idk.

If you guys can give me some insight to my reasoning and ideas for college, please let me know, and thank you for your consideration and help.

2

Your reasoning is good. Keep in mind however that LACs (Liberal Arts Colleges) produce a disproportionate number of PHDs, so if you’re into research, you should look into them - some with good research opportunities in the sciences include Lawrence, St Olaf, Grinnell, Earlham, and Wooster.
If you gave us your stats (GPA, SAT scores, AP/honors classes), adults here could suggest more classes.
In the meanwhile, run the Net Price Calculator on all of them (the 4 you listed plus the 5 above) and bring the results to your parents.

3

I would not do the whole transferring thing with IUPIU. Transfer credits can get tricky with purdue (they’re very particular) so it really would be better to go straight there.

4

I would just like to say thank you for all of your answers and help. I have officially decided to go to purdue, but iu will be my second choice. If I am turned down by both, I will go to IUPUI, but for biology offered by the iu department and I feel safe enough to get in their that I won’t worry about ball state. It will remain my 4th though. Anyway, thank you for your help and I hope all goes well for u.

5

Really nice of you to check back. Purdue is a great university. My dad and my cousin graduated from there. I think you will like it a lot.

6

Thanks for checking back, OP. For the record, I was going to recommend Purdue. It’s a great school with the particular major you desire.