I am a freshman at a US military academy (Army, Navy, Air Force) looking to potentially transfer into either Umich (LSA Honors) or UPenn. I’m considering transferring because I don’t feel excited about the 5 year military service commitment that my current school requires. I’m also thinking about medical school, which a military academy makes nearly impossible.
My options:
Michigan
In-state tuition through scholarship
Cost: ~40k/yr x 3
Penn CAS
Full tuition
Cost: ~95k/yr x 3
Stay at my service academy
Full ride + benefits
Close to home, love my school and friends, but 5-yr service commitment that I’m not excited about
Financially, I can pay for Penn without debt for undergrad, but would need to figure out how to pay for grad school on my own. For Michigan, I could use leftover money in my 529 to help pay for grad school.
I am not fully sure what career I want to pursue but am considering premed or engineering. I would love to hear anyone’s thoughts. Thank you!
If accepted by both and if you think med school is a real possibility, then the cheaper undergrad option is the best option.
As far as staying where you are, the decision comes down to what is more important - being an officer or being a doctor. And it seems you made your choice
If you decide to apply to medical school after undergrad…and get accepted…the costs will likely be $100,000 a year. Federally funded student loans are now limited to $200,000 in total (including undergrad), with a $50,000 a year max for medical school students.
There are some private lenders who are stepping up to assist medical school students who need financial assistance @Mwfan1921
If you really do not want to do your military obligation, it’s my opinion that staying at the military academy probably is not your best option. You should be in a military academy because you want to serve…not save money. It seems you have made that decision.
Does this mean you are a resident of Michigan? Or what?
If you are a resident of Michigan, University of Michigan is terrific…if you get accepted. Have you considered other instate Michigan publics (assuming you are a resident of Michigan)?
If you are not an instate Michigan resident, I would urge you to look at your own instate public options.
Also wanted to add that while medical school is a possibility, I’m not 100% set on it - also considering engineering or other. So, I’m also considering each school’s environment for discernment. I am LSA at Michigan and CAS at Penn.
I would consider sticking with the academy for another year. You have made it through the hardest part. You can always switch later. Don’t give up this incredible, special opportunity to serve. Your patriotism is appreciated!
A friend’s son went to West Point. While still in the military, he completed medical school. Not only was it free, but he drew a salary while he was a medical student. So, it is possible to do medical school after attending a military academy.
To me the Michigan opportunity would be too good to pass up if you stick with the idea of transferring. Penn is great, but Michigan is a “public Ivy”. It’s not like you’d be settling for less by going there.
The best option is always the University of Michigan.
Our son commissioned from an academy, but we prayed he would make the decision you’re making. We eventually forgave him, but it was difficult. That’s all the help I can give. Other posters may have more nuanced advice.
It’s possible, but the slots are very limited - between 10 and 20 depending on which Service Academy. And I suspect the Academy has given indication on which candidates are more aligned with that pathway. And med school extends the service time requirement, which is fine, but OP is already concerned with the initial 5 year commitment
Yes, I know that the med school slots are limited in the military. But med school slots are limited everywhere. I was simply responding to the comment that “it’s nearly impossible.” Well, I’m at it, I’ll mention that I have another friend who went through dental school while he was in the military. It’s not like I’m surrounded by geniuses.
IMO, if he wants to leave, he should leave and get on with his life. I just don’t know how big a factor “it’s nearly impossible” is nor do I know to what degree he’s explored that. Too many unknowns.
Thanks for all the replies, everyone! Due to the extended commitment required by the military medical school program, I am not considering that as an option. Anyone have thoughts on Penn as an option?
I would save the money and go to Michigan if you think post-grad schooling is likely. Having a degree from Penn is unlikely to be more desirable than Michigan on your medical school apps. What is your home state? (inquiring due to the possible med school angle)
You shouldn’t stay at a military academy if you don’t want to be an officer and part of the military.
If you aren’t considering grad school, Penn is a good choice, not worth the cost differential with Michigan imho but it’s a personal choice.
If you ARE considering professional or grad school then Michigan is the no-brainer, ie., excellence at half the cost of Penn allowing you to pay for some of grad school (remember the current Administration has changed the rules on student loans.)
