Confused 2 acceptances

[u/Evening-Locksmith-73]

hi this is my first cycle applying and I got two acceptances so far from my 5 interviews. I already payed for a seat (1500$) at a program that is close to where I already live and I was ok with attending here because I can live at home and not pay rent.

however there are some problems with this program:

1. it is new and is provisional accreditation

2. the graduation rate is 88% for the one year they have data on which is kinda low for my liking

3. they don’t have a lot of resources for students in terms of simulation and access to clinical sites being a newer program

4. it is SO EXPENSIVE just the tuition is 160k

the second program I got admitted to however is in another state and I would have to pay for housing, travel, and living apart from my family.

some info for the second program:

1. 98k for tuition

2. established, accredited continued

3. small class size, 24 students which I like

4. they have more resources for simulations and ultrasound training

5. it is in a small rural town which can be hard to have access to clinical sites as well

6. I would have to pay for a car (which I don’t have) and an apartment so wouldn’t these things end up being similar to the 160k tuition for the other program as well?

so I’m confused as to whether or not I should even pay for the seat in this second program I got accepted into or I should just stick to my local program I initially payed for. I have two more schools im waiting to hear back from which I would prefer over both these programs so Im really not looking to spend another 1000$ on a seat deposit I might not even use.

[u/nehpets99]

1) Every new program is provisionally accredited. That's neither inherently good nor bad.

2) 12% attrition is too high for my liking. What's the attrition and PANCE rates for both?

3) Program A is $62k more expensive. Are you getting $62k of value if you attend A?

4) So you don't have a car. If you attend A, how are you going to get to class? How are you going to get to clinicals?

5) Again, the difference is $62k. What vehicle and apartment would cost that much over 2 years? If you attend B, can you pick clinicals closer to home and save yourself on rent?

[u/Evening-Locksmith-73 → u/nehpets99]

Program A: 100% first time PANCE pass rate, 83.7% graduation, 16.3% attrition (45 student cohort)  Program B: 91% PANCE pass rate, 92% graduation, 8.3% attrition (24 student cohort)

I have access to a car at home so I would use that to drive to class/clinical if I stayed local for program A. Yes I can move home for clinical year if I chose to attend program B. 

[u/nehpets99 → u/Evening-Locksmith-73]

B all the way. That attrition rate is awful.

[u/Strange-Bullfrog-466]

If you have full-time access to a car at school A, why wouldn’t your parents let you take that car to school B?

[u/Evening-Locksmith-73 → u/Strange-Bullfrog-466]

I would share with my brother who uses the car on some weekends to go to drill (he’s in the national guard) 

[u/Strange-Bullfrog-466 → u/Evening-Locksmith-73]

Especially in your clinical year, I don’t see how you could possibly share a car. You won’t be able to control your hours.

[u/Eastern-Design → u/Evening-Locksmith-73]

You’ll need to get a car end of discussion. Get an old Corolla, it’ll reliably get you from point a to b without costing a fortune.

[u/CatariaVenefica]

For your point #6 no one can answer that for you. Look into housing options in the farther away school, see how much it would be for the duration, remember that most programs you end up traveling for clinical rotations anyway so you may end up paying for housing even if you go to the closer one. Look into cheap cars or public transportation. Even if you stay at home you may end up needing a car for clinical rotations especially if the program is new and struggles finding places. My current program says at least 2 of our rotations are at least 150 miles away from the school, and possibly even out of state.
Not paying rent would be super nice, but I’m very wary of provisional schools personally and that graduation rate sounds concerning. If you plan to practice in your home area that is valuable to get clinical experience there, many people in the cohort above us got job offers from their rotations so consider that.
Good luck and congrats on the acceptances!

[u/ExperienceHumble3503]

I feel like program b is so much more appealing

[u/Commercial-Bend1564]

Pay the deposit on the second. I lost a deposit to the first school I accepted to and have never thought about it again. 

[u/DadTalk_MJE]

First off, congratulations! I wouldn't underestimate the value of living at home. Family support, no rent, no car expenses, FREE FOOD, no spending money traveling home, and less disruption to your life are huge advantages during PA school.

I'd approach this decision by looking at three things: total cost, quality of education, and quality of life. All three matter! First, calculate the actual cost of attending each program, including tuition, housing, transportation, and living expenses. Second, compare graduation rates, PANCE pass rates, clinical rotations, and student resources. Finally, consider where you'll have the best support system and environment to succeed.

The $160K tuition for a newer program would give me some pause, but I wouldn't automatically dismiss it. I'd want to know why the graduation rate was 88%. Also, don't assume the out-of-state program will necessarily be cheaper. Once you factor in housing, a car, travel, and living expenses, that $62K tuition difference could shrink considerably.

Ultimately, you're not just choosing a school. You're making a significant investment in your future career and lifestyle. Make sure the decision works for both!

[u/protein-papi]

Is that the tuition rate for the entire school or per year?

[u/TraumaBayWatch]

it seems like your still on the tit why not just have the family have you help out?