Western Michigan University or Wayne State University?

Hi everyone, I’m new to the forum and hoping I can get some opinions on this. I have narrowed down my choices to WMU or WSU. I’m 25 yrs old, took me a bit to figure out what I wanted to do but I eventually did. I returned to school and will be graduating with an associate’s degree this May. So I’m going as a transfer. I’ll be majoring in biochemistry and hoping to minor in criminal justice as my end goal is to be a forensic pathologist (MD). I mainly chose these 2 schools due to low cost and that I know people in each city. So here’s a list of pros and cons for each:

WMU
Pros:
-1 hr drive from parents’ home
-their staff have been super helpful with transferring
-can live at home
-save $$ in the long run
Cons:
-close to home, I’m 25, I want to move out already!
-not sure I’d like Kalamazoo, I’m tired of living in SW MI
-not too sure how their research and volunteer opportunities are for premed

WSU
Pros:
-I’ll be able to move to out
-I love Detroit
-they have a reputation for medicine (at least in MI)
-plenty of research and volunteer opportunities
Cons:
-It will be more expensive in terms of living situation since I’d be moving out
-their staff have been no help with my transfer questions. I get the run around and when I applied I had to call multiple times to get things sorted out
-appears their biochem program is relatively new

My main concern is having the right support in order to guide me towards medical school. I also want to be in an environment that’s welcoming of non-traditional students seeing how I’m a transfer and 25. So just asking for opinions, if you had applied to both how did you decide which to attend or which seems like a better option?

@romanigypsyeyes is one of our Michigan experts. She may have good ideas for you.

Congrats on the successful transfer applications!

WSU would be a better option IMO based on what you want to do. It has more non-trad students, great med stuff, etc. I have a lot of friends who did their undergrad there and went on to med, chem, and related programs.

You do NOT want to commute an hour from your parents’ house. I go to U of M and commute from only 20 minutes away and it’s a slog. 2 hours a day (at least) in your car sucks.

Detroit and the surrounding areas is very cheap to live in. I don’t know Kzoo that well but I know some of the outer areas around there are also cheap.

For biochemistry and research, WSU would be much better. At least I have met many people from WSU in scientific conference but little from WMU.

You all made excellent points and have helped me in my decision. I was leaning towards WSU since I’d be studying science & love the area. My parents mainly wanted me to stay within the area. I value their opinion & thought I should save on rent so that’s why I considered WMU. Anyways, thanks everyone!