First off, let me start like this: I know that these two schools are basically polar opposites.
I have been accepted to both schools and want to probably pursue a career in medicine. I am originally from New Jersey, making TCNJ significantly cheaper than UMiami. I am planning on majoring in Exercise Science, which is where my problem strikes. When I visited TCNJ I really enjoyed the campus but I know that they are known for education programs and not really for science-based majors. The plus of TCNJ is that it’s a close school (don’t mind being close to home), it’s a good school and has a campus that fits me. I know that UMiami is better known in general and better for science. The con is that it is significantly more expensive. I just wanted to get some people’s opinions on my situation and if anyone could give me some insight on either school. Thank you so much!
I’d pick UMiami. It seems like a great opportunity compared to TCNJ
without question TCNJ , and it has one of the BEST exercise science programs(quite difficult to get into). You liked the campus, you’ll have much more interaction and one on one with faculty than at a giant school as well. But most importantly you will likely need to do some kind of graduate work and that will mean even more $'s spent.
Further TCNJ is in fact known to be excellent in the sciences just take a look at their coveted 7 year med program.
The University of Miami will cost about $140k more assuming you don’t get any money from Miami. I doubt it is worth it.
I’d choose TCNJ, unless $140,000 is chump change to your family.
@stones3 I don’t doubt your claim, but am interested in your support for the statement that TCNJ has a really good exercise science program. Just want to know where you got the information from! Thank you 
@newjerseygirl98 obviously 140k is not chump change… But I do not qualify for financial aid. If my parents believe that UMiami is worth it, they’d be willing to pay that money. Then again, I really don’t know if it’s worth it
I didn’t think it was chump change, but for a lucky few, it is. It’s not worth it.
Professor Jay Hoffman, chair of the Department of Health and Exercise Science, was named the 2007 National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) William J. Kraemer Outstanding Sports Scientist this past summer, in recognition of his research achievements in the field of exercise science. Hoffman was nominated by past winners of the award.
Jay Hoffman
As criteria for his award, Hoffman demonstrated an extensive history of research, as well as contributions to the association. Along with his “excellent” team of colleagues, including TCNJ health and exercise science professors Jie Kang, Avery Faigenbaum, and Nicholas Ratamess, Hoffman has extensively studied sports supplementation, exercise endocrinology, and training pyridines. His latest research focuses on the endocrine changes in the body resulting from a creatine and beta-alanine supplement pairing as it relates to sports conditioning.
Hoffman, who has been at the College since 2000, received his BS from St. John’s University, his MS from CUNY Queens College, and his PhD from the University of Connecticut. In 2003, he received the Neay School of Education Outstanding Alumni Award from the University of Connecticut. He has had over 60 scientific publications published in peer-reviewed journals and made over 90 scientific presentations at national and international meetings since 1989.
NSCA is the largest organization for sports science in the world, with a membership of about 30,000. Hoffman serves on the organization ’s board of directors and is also its vice president.
also
http://www.njascu.org/articles/TCNJ-Press-Release-Nursing-100815.pdf
I’d love to hear a couple more opinions! Thank you
If the cost difference is that much, then I retract my statement. Certainly not worth it.
@LBad96 The total cost for TCNJ is $109,788. The total cost for UMiami is approximately $240,376.
What are your parents saying? What’s their budget?
TCNJ USED TO be mostly for education back in the 90’s. Today, it’s a top public college in NJ, at least if not more selective and rigorous than Rutgers. Your biology and premed education there will be top-notch.
Would you be in the top 20% students admitted to Miami, ie., GPA 4.4-4.5+ weighted and AC 32+?
@MYOS1634
Parents would obviously prefer to pay less… But budget is not a concern. My parents are both physicians, so I do not qualify for financial aid based off of their income.
My stats are:
SAT: 2120 (630 CR 740 M 750 W)
GPA: 4.0/4.6
Top 25% of class
A ton of extracurriculars working in the medical community (with patients and researching multiple disorders/diseases)
Oh. If budget isn’t a concern, then it’s all down to preference
You have good stats, so you’ll do fine regardless of where you go.
The only thing that tips toward UMiami is that they have a medical school and they seem to have a little preference for their own premeds. On the other hand, the money you save by going to TCNJ would pay for part of med school and of course you can apply to instate med schools PLUS Umiami’s, so if your parents ask you to choose between UMiami but you pay for your own med school (then pay back your loans), or TCNJ and they pay for your med school, what would you do? (Ask them what they think)