Premed at NYU

<p>So, I was just accepted to CAS at NYU. I plan on being premed and probably majoring in the social sciences. However, my financial aid (just like everyone else!) was relatively poor. I got a $20,000 CAS Scholarship, and a few govt loans/work study that would make up the remainder. So, I have about $28,000 in financial aid from NYU. I'm from the midwest, so I'd end up paying around $35,000-40,000 dollars a year for NYU. My family has a low income, and I'd have to take out a ton of private loans.</p>

<p>Would it be worth it for a premed education? I love NYU, but I really don't know if it would be worth it to be roughly $160,000 in debt after four years and then pay for medical school. What's making the decision harder is that I was accepted to a top 25 liberal arts college with a $44,000 aid package, leaving me with only $40,000 in debt after all four years.</p>

<p>I'd appreciate any input, or advice, especially if anyone else is in the same situation!</p>

<p>If you are certain you want to do pre-med, attend the top 25 liberal arts college. Save the money for med school. In your current financial situation, it should be a relatively easy decision. As much as you love NYU, save the money for NYU med where the money is actually worth the education and not for undergrad.</p>

<p>greenpenguin,</p>

<p>I will be straight with you. $160,000 in debt vs. $44,000 for 4 years of undergraduate makes NYU not a very good choice at this point for you. Besides your other top contender is a top 25 liberal arts college. </p>

<p>As a pre-med, you will likely be buried in your studies and not be able to capitalize as much on NYC’s many attractions. It is best for you to do well in the more economical choice college, then apply to get into the best medical school you can. Maybe even NYU Medical School or Columbia U. Med School if you want to be in NYC.</p>

<p>You still have another 4 years of Med School to pay for. That probably will be at least another $300,000 (not sure what inflation will do to the total tuition and fees that far ahead) if you do not receive any aid or scholarship. Plus, your earning power will not be great as a medical intern or resident and that may be another few years of delayed “real” earnings, depending on your specialty and its training requirements.</p>

<p>Nope, with your choices, I advise you to really consider the cost of all your education and the years combined, along with your family’s limited financial resources.</p>