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When deciding what school to go to, do I choose the cheaper one or the more expensive one with a better program?

I am in 12th grade, and trying to decide what school to go to to study pharmacy. One option is cheaper and closer to home, but the other is my dream school but more expensive.

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Sarah’s Answer

Hi Kylee, I completely agree with Wong and Kathleen. Start by making a list of pros and cons to see which option has more benefits. Then, think about how you can fund your choice. Colleges offer many scholarships, but don't stop there. Look for scholarships that can be used at any school. It might seem unusual, but try talking to local pharmacists. Learning from people who have already taken the path you want to follow is really helpful. Don't hesitate to ask questions. Lastly, check with your parents to see if they know anyone who went to your chosen college. These friends might have insider tips and scholarship opportunities you haven't thought about.
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Wong’s Answer

Hi Kylee. You need to think about the long-term benefits. The cheaper school might seem like the smarter financial choice right now, but the more expensive school could offer a better program. A school with a stronger program might give you a better education, better connections, and possibly better job opportunities down the road. Graduating from a school with a strong reputation could make it easier to land a good job in pharmacy, and you might earn more money in the long run. On the other hand, if the cheaper school still has a solid program, it might be enough to get you where you want to go without the added financial strain.

Next, you need to consider how much debt you're comfortable taking on. Pharmacy programs can be expensive, and student loans can be a heavy burden after graduation. You should think about whether the extra cost of the dream school is something you're willing to pay for, especially if it means taking on more debt.

Also, you need to think about your personal happiness and support system. If the cheaper school is closer to home, you might feel more comfortable being around family and friends. This can make your college experience less stressful, which can help you focus on your studies. On the other hand, if your dream school excites you and feels like the best place to help you succeed, it might be worth the extra cost, even if it's farther away.

Wishing you all the best.
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Kathleen’s Answer

Wong’s answer is excellent and well said. Just to add, don’t discount scholarships. Some programs will offer internal scholarships. You can also look into scholarships specific to healthcare professions. Every little bit helps so apply to as many as you can, even if it seems like a drop in the bucket.

I’m also from near Cresson, PA! This website may help.

https://pittsburghfoundation.org/scholarshipsearch
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Mary’s Answer

There are several ways to look at this.. cheaper school may save money but you may get scholarships to the more expensive school. The other factor is you can save money by living closer to home. Additionally you may be able to work if the cheaper school’s curriculum is less rigorous. However, if you are planning a residency, it could be easier to land one having attended a more prestigious university. You may also want to check the pass/ fail rate for state board exam for each school. Some schools are better at preparing you for the exam. It all depends on your goals. At the end of the day, it REALLY doesn’t matter where you graduate from. The bottom line is to get the license. I did attend one of the more prestigious programs 40 years ago and now my Alma mater (Philadelphia College of Pharmacy) went up for sale and is now run by Saint Joseph’s University,
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