I was admitted to both schools but I am having a hard time deciding where I want to go. I was wondering if anyone had any insight into the biochemistry programs at either school. I really want to go to Madison but the in-state tuition in Illinois is very attractive. (Madison=$33,000,UIUC $10,000, after scholarships and grants) Is Madison worth the difference. I am pursuing a medical career and have heard that Madison as better pre-med/science programs. I am also applying for the honors program. I love the campus and the atmosphere that Madison has. I wouldn’t mind UIUC. The campus is nice and the staff sounded very interested in my goals. I intend to do as much research as I can while at either school so insight on research opportunities offered by both schools would really help.
I am a UW-Madison alumnus, and I love my school, but you’re talking about schools of fairly similar caliber overall, at least in terms of undergrad academics – so, no, the extra ~$23k per year to attend UW is probably not worth it… unless you just really loathe the Illinois campus, or really love the UW vibe and want to be a Badger, and you can afford to blow all that extra money.
But it’s over $90,000 more to attend UW, if you finish in four years. That’s a lot of money you and your folks could be spending on other things or investing…