Rephrased version:
We’re comparing UB and UAlbany for a pre‑med student aiming for a top‑20% medical school. UB would cost about 4.5× more overall — roughly $32K per year versus $7K per year at UAlbany, with the first year at Albany costing about $23K due to on‑campus housing. We’re trying to understand whether UB’s potentially stronger reputation, larger hospital system, and possibly greater access to high‑impact research and clinical experiences justify the significantly higher cost. Both universities are R1 institutions, but we’ve heard UB may offer broader clinical exposure because of its larger medical center. We’re unsure how much better those opportunities truly are compared to what’s available at UAlbany, especially since our student would commute locally after freshman year.
Why would the student commute ? Part of going to college is - going to college.
Can you afford $400k plus for med school ? You can only borrow $200k in government loans, including undergrad. So finances matter, especially with very tight rules now in place.
What exactly is a top 20-% med school ? You’re a doctor or not ? I think many patients look at - 1) are they on my insurance plan and 2) do they have availability.
You need to get in and afford - not look at rank. Back to afford.
Here’s the other thing - statistically your child won’t apply for med school and if they do, they’ll likely find won’t get in.
So maybe look at which they’d like to be at, if they end up going another direction.
I don’t think in general, one is better than the other.
Can you afford Buffalo?
You might also consider that medical schools will cost over $100,000 per year by the time your student attends…if they actually do. Federally funded loans are now limited to $200,000 in total, including any federally funded loans taken for undergrad. And a max of $50,000 per year for medical school is the new limit for federally funded loans.
So…do you have a way to fund medical school.
Is there some reason why only a top 20 medical school is being considered?
ETA. At this point, I would put medical school on the back burner. You can take the required courses for medical school applicants at either of these universities. Choose a college where you can see yourself being happy for four years. That’s important.
I would choose Buffalo IF it is affordable and if you have a plan in place to fund medical or grad school.
I would put medical school on the back burner for now.
One can get a fine education at either college. The student’s post-graduation success will be dependent on what they accomplish during college rather than which one of these schools the student attends.
IMO this decision comes down to finances. The tradeoff is saving money v experiencing life on campus.
Forum rules state clearly that sharing an account is not permitted. If the a parent also wishes to post on Colleges confidential, they are invited to create their own account. They should not use their kid’s account instead.
Closing thread.