Duke or Wash U???

College Search & Lists
1

I have been accepted to both Wash U and Duke for their biomedical engineering programs. I am having great difficulty in choosing between these two outstanding the schools. Wash U appears as the easy choice because I would be able to graduate debt free. However, I feel like Duke holds a bigger weight to its name whether its job offers, connections, sports, or in casual conversation. Also, Duke had a much better engineering facility than Wash U and study areas in general. Another con about Wash U is the fact that it is only 45 minutes away from home. I have always wanted to get away, but my parents recently brought up the fact that they could help me during times of struggle easier (food, stress, etc.). When I visited Duke I also found that school spirit is huge and it would be something that I would love to be a part of because Wash U is only D3. Basically I’m wondering if all of these pro’s makes it worth it to have almost a 100k in debt just to go to Duke for 4 years of my life. Any input would be nice as decision day is tomorrow! Thank you

P.S. I plan on going into med school after undergrad.

2

What id the difference in COA?

3

You do not want $100k debt and then go to Med School. Wash U is a great school. Consider yourself fortunate. No other overriding considerations

4

@Kelowna COA?

5

Well at WashU you can do research right at the medical school (ranked 6th in the US) which is only two metro stops away. And in general at WashU pre-health advising is outstanding.

Also, undergrad prestige really does not matter if you are going on to med school. I would personally choose WashU (though I am not the most unbiased) because 100k of debt is significant and med school costs $$$.

6

COA - cost of attendance. Is the difference 100 K?